First, let me say that I’m an extremely goal oriented person. It started back in my high school swimming days of writing my goal times down on a notecard and carrying them everywhere I went. Fast forward well into adulthood and I continue goal setting habits to this very day. Why have I kept this habit? Simply, goal setting gives me concrete direction throughout the year to be the best person I can be. In addition, dedicating the time to write down my goals forces me to take a step back and focus on what really matters in life and make that my priority.
My Process Every year in January, I review progress on my goals from the previous year and write out my goals for the upcoming year. I was elated to find out that I’m not the only person doing this when I read Bill Gates’s review of his own progress in 2018.
I tend to break out my goals into 5 general categories with 4-6 specific goals in each category: family, career, fitness/health, projects/travel/events, and learning/education. I spend a good amount of time thinking and refining my goals for the year. I start with high-level questions such as, “What would make 2019 a success?” and then apply those questions to each of my 5 different goal categories. I try and make each goal measurable and attainable throughout the course of the year. Periodically throughout the year, I refer back to my goals and make sure that I’m on track for the remainder of the year.
What Is My Point? So why am I share my goal writing process in the first place? I hope by sharing this, it sparks an interest for you to set some of your own personal goals for the year. It has been proven in numerous studies that people who set goals are both more successful and happier.
Take Action So give it a try! Plan that vacation you have always wanted but never materialized. Set a challenging savings goal for the year. Spend more quality time with your children or grandchildren. Make this the year that you learn how to play the piano or speak Spanish. Run that first road race. By simply jotting down a few goals and stretching to achieve them, you can make 2019 the year you have always wanted