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Authentic Goal Setting for Teams: A New Approach to Strategic Planning

Writer: Olivia MeadOlivia Mead

At the risk of giving away our magic, we are VERY excited to share a new way to set goals as a team and an organization that challenges standard practices and has completely transformed our motivation and direction.


The Problem with Traditional Goal-Setting

At YFFR, we used to approach goal-setting the way many organizations do. We’d hop on a call, jaw clenched, and list out things that either felt like uninspiring obligations or were exciting but wildly unrealistic. The process felt like a necessary chore, a box to check rather than an opportunity for growth and alignment.

But then, we discovered a NEW way. And when we tried it, something incredible happened: our motivation skyrocketed. Weeks later, we’re still riding that high.


Office meeting; four people asleep at a table with documents and tablets, suggesting exhaustion. Bright room, potted plant visible.

The Breakthrough: Authentic Goal Setting for Teams

If you’ve been following us, you’ve probably heard us talk about To Be Magnetic, a company that trains neural manifestation. It has been a game-changer in my personal life, and recently, their podcast introduced a way to apply this work in a group setting. We decided to give it a try.


The Sunday before our most recent Instructor School, our team gathered at our Airbnb, still in our pajamas, sipping mimosas, and dove into a three-hour deep reflection and discussion session. We worked through a series of exercises designed to uncover the authenticity and essence of our organization—and of us as the individuals who keep it running.


Four people sit around a wooden table with laptops and drinks, smiling and giving thumbs up. A casual, cheerful meeting setting.

We were both surprised and not surprised to find that YFFR was thriving in areas that genuinely lit us up while struggling in areas that none of us enjoyed working. This realization was a turning point.


The Results: Clarity, Alignment, and Excitement

After completing the exercises (with a little help from AI), we walked away with:

  • An organizational description that felt like an authentic reflection of YFFR’s mission and purpose.

  • An authentic “code” that defines how we operate and what drives us.

  • A list of goals that excite us—ones we can’t wait to dive into.


Computer that shows text of YFFR's authentic code.

For the first time, goal-setting felt like an empowering experience rather than an energy drain. We left the session eager to bring our vision to life. This process helped us define the essence of YFFR. Here’s what we discovered about who we truly are:


YFFR’s Authentic Code


1. Impactful and Accessible Excellence

YFFR is deeply committed to creating high-quality, world-class training tools that are practical, culturally informed, and accessible to everyone, regardless of budget or time constraints. We thrive on providing transformative experiences that yield measurable, lasting results.

2. Freedom and Sustainability

We value financial freedom and operational independence, aiming to create a self-sustaining organization with effective systems, a happy team, and minimal stress. This includes the vision of a dedicated training space to reduce reliance on external entities.

3. Innovation and Tactical Practicality

Rooted in traditional yoga yet modernized for first responders, YFFR excels in designing and delivering innovative, science-backed training tools that meet the unique needs of its audience. We seek continuous improvement and efficient methods to stay ahead.

4. Community and Growth

Collaboration, team well-being, and fostering connections are at the heart of YFFR. A supportive, balanced, and joyful work environment enables us to maintain resilience and creativity while making a profound difference in public safety culture.


YFFR’s Organizational Description

Yoga For First Responders thrives on a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence, driven by a shared passion for transforming lives. With deep roots in traditional yoga and a mission to demystify resilience training for public safety professionals, YFFR is determined to create impactful, accessible tools while building a sustainable and financially secure organization. The team’s focus on freedom, tactical practicality, and proactive strategies ensures that YFFR’s mission is fulfilled effectively and with joy.


What’s Next?

We’re so excited about this approach that we’ll be sharing more about it in Season 2 of On Air by YFFR, where our operations team will dive into the details of authentic goal setting for teams and its impact. Stay tuned for that episode!


In the meantime, we encourage you to rethink how you set goals—both individually and as a team. What lights you up? What drains you? Aligning with authenticity might just be the key to unlocking your highest potential.

Let us know what you think about this approach—have you ever tried something similar? We’d love to hear your experiences!

3 post it notes that say "dream big, set goals, teake action"

 
 
 

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© 2022 YogaShield Yoga For First Responders is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization  |  EIN: 81-2161762

10301 Comanche Road Northeast suite 5, Albuquerque, NM, USA

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