The new year is quickly approaching and though 2020 did not go according to plan, we can still set goals for next year and make it one to remember! Of course there will still be some uncertainty in the world next year, but we can still improve our lives by planning ahead.
Why set goals?
Many times in our lives, we feel like we are just drifting through, getting the things done we need to- whether it be work or personal lives and after a while, you can feel like you haven’t actually accomplished anything. That is why goal setting is so important!
It is so important to set measurable, time-sensitive goals that have clear actions behind them so that once the goal is accomplished, you can take pride in it and know that you are moving forward.
My goal setting process
Towards the end of every year (usually around December 15 so it doesn’t interfere with the holidays), I grab a notebook and a glass of wine and I sit down and reflect.
First, I reflect on what I accomplished in the last year. If I’ve set goals, I catch up on my tracking of my goals. Goals that were met go on one list, and goals I did not meet go on the other. If I haven’t set any goals, then I go from memory and write down things I noticed I liked and accomplished this year.
Then, I make a list of broad things I want to accomplish under each major category: work/business, love life, fitness, travel, and personal goals.
Under each broad goal, I then break it down into smaller, achievable goals. This is the key– you need to break down a broad goal into small, actionable, and tangible. Instead of saying “I want to lose weight,” it needs to be more actionable. Set a goal weight, set a number of workouts to do each week, even committing to calorie counting. Something that requires a little more mental energy to get the result you want.
Finally, take each small goal and figure out a way to make it trackable. Each goal needs to have an action behind it, and it should be thought as you set the goal. For example, a goal to read 20 books has a specific action behind it, but a goal of travel more does not. Setting a goal of 2 domestic trips or 1 international trip allows you to break it down into actions like saving the money, planning the trip, and then going on the trip.
How to track your goals
I like to keep a running list of my goals in a notebook, where I can update my progress with tally marks, check marks, even small notes about how my progress is going. I have a Fitbit where it logs all my steps, calories, weight, and workouts and that assists me in tracking goals. If you have a goal to read a book a week, that’s 52 books so it could be 52 tally marks next to that goal or a page dedicated to the goal in a bullet journal. Either way you decide to track your goals, you need to be consistent.
If possible, break down goals into 90 day increments or at least put a check in on your goals in your calendar. This is a great way to keep track of all your goals and find where you may need to focus on throughout the year.
How many goals should I have?
The amount of goals you set is up to you- can be as little or as much as you want. I tend to aim for a number to match the year we’re in. For example, 20 goals in 2020, 19 goals in 2019, and for 2021 I will pick out 21 goals.
This method works for me because I like to keep “leveling up” but it is completely up to you. 5 goals that you can track, take action on, and accomplish in one year? That is perfect. Do what you think is right. You can always add more goals as the year goes on.
Some examples of realistic, trackable goals to set
- Read 52 books
- Workout 4 days a week
- Take 2 international trips
- Take 3 cooking classes
- Take 10,000 steps every day
- Lose 15 pounds by eating a certain number of calories, working out four times a week, etc.
I hope this helps you in the process of setting goals for 2021. Setting goals is such an easy way to make sure that your year goes how you want it to and to control what you can in the coming year.
What are your favorite goals each year? Do you have a better way to set goals? Let me know in the comments below!
<div class=”script”>xo, Sydnee</div>