Set Achievable Goals in 4 Simple Steps
by Veronica Joce
1. Devise a theme and vision for your year
Setting a goal without visualizing the final result doesn’t allow you the space to explore your motivation and can lead to a never-ending quest. When you define a theme for the upcoming year, you align your actions and decisions on what you truly desire to accomplish.
Choose a word or phrase that describes what you want to accomplish and let this inspire your activities for each day, week, and month.
After choosing the theme, create a vision. Imagine yourself in a year from now and describe how you see your life. Mention how you are feeling, who you are with, how you see your own happiness, what success means to you, what excites you, what brings you energy, what matters in your day-to-day life.
Beyond choosing a theme, delve into what this theme truly means for you. Is it about growth, stability, adventure, or something else? Reflect on past experiences to understand why this theme resonates with you. This deeper understanding will provide a solid foundation for your year.
PRO Tip: Engage in visualization exercises, the powerful tools for setting goals and manifesting them into reality. Imagine not only the end result but also the journey. What challenges might you face, and how will you overcome them? This prepares you mentally for the path ahead. Additionally, by vividly picturing your success and the steps to achieve it, you align your mindset and actions with your goals, enhancing the power of manifestation.
2. Choose your focus area
Describe specific, measurable and tangible goals in every key area of your life. For each focus area, break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks. For example, if your goal is to read more, start with a book a month, then gradually increase. Ensure that your goals align with your current lifestyle and responsibilities. Unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and burnout.
- Health and well-being: set goals that will help you stay healthy and feel good.
- Self-growth: think about what you are going to do to expand your mind; what skills you want to attain; what books you want to read; how you can maintain a positive mindset.
- Creativity and learning: list new skills, knowledge, improvements, etc.
- Professional: envision your professional goals and get into details. Make these goals measurable, achievable and relevant. Think big and set goals that will also help you leave your comfort zone.
- Financial: list here anything that goes under the umbrella of finances: saving, investing, gaining more money.
- Giving and contribution: think in which ways you can contribute to your community, other human beings, our planet.
- Relationships: list steps and actions to improve your relationships; think of how you can spend more quality time together with people you care about; and decide if you want to establish new connections.
PRO Tip: Introduce habits that support your goals. For instance, if your goal is financial stability, form habits like regular budgeting or investment research. Once a behavior transforms into a habit, it slips into your routine almost effortlessly, requiring less conscious thought and decision-making. This simplicity is key, especially on days when your motivation is low. It's the consistency and routine of these habits that keep you moving forward, steadily and surely, towards your goals,
3. Categorize your goals
Separate your goals into categories to ensure they are balanced, otherwise you may set too many goals in one area of your life and not give enough attention to another. Be specific with your goals–it will make it much easier to figure out a plan for how to achieve them. Choose areas that resonate most with your current life situation and aspirations. For each, aim to write down 3-5 specific goals, tailored to make the upcoming year exceptionally rewarding and fulfilling.
After selecting your categories and defining your goals, take it a step further by implementing a systematic review and evolution process. This involves setting regular intervals, perhaps monthly or quarterly, to review the progress of each goal. During these reviews, evaluate not just your progress but also the continuing relevance of each goal. Remember, life changes, and so might your priorities. Be flexible in adjusting your goals to maintain a healthy balance.
PRO Tip: Additionally, consider incorporating a feedback loop into your process. This could involve seeking input from mentors, peers, or a personal coach, who can provide external perspectives on your progress and the feasibility of your goals. This feedback can be invaluable in refining your strategies and ensuring your goals remain ambitious yet achievable.
4. Create a clear strategy
Create an action plan for how you will achieve each of your goals. The best way to tackle this is to work backward from the desired result and define what action is needed to get you there. Divide the year into quarters, months, and weeks, and identify what milestones need to be accomplished at different points of the year.
PRO Tip: Set deadlines for each milestone, as deadlines make you more accountable, making it more likely that you will fulfil your goal.
Remember, the journey towards your goals is as important as the destination. Celebrate small victories, learn from setbacks, and enjoy the process of personal growth. Stay open to learning new methods and strategies for goal achievement. Attend workshops, read books, or listen to podcasts related to your areas of focus.
Remember, the journey towards your goals is as important as the destination. Celebrate small victories, learn from setbacks, and enjoy the process of personal growth.
Having this clear strategy will make you more intentional and mindful with every single of your decisions and steps; and more clear with where you are now, and where you want to go. If you want to know more about this yearly goal setting practice, check out the Best Year Journal, your guide to a more fulfilling and successful future.