Goal Setting for 2018
Do you set goals for the new year? The more I listen to and learn from successful people the more I hear the same thing: When you make goals and write down your goals they get programmed in your mind.
What you focus on, you find.
Let’s start by defining GOALS. Goals are not “dreams.”
The difference between a dream and a goal is dreams are a fantasy, the have no boundaries. Dreams can guide your passions, yes. However, dreams are a goal without legs. Goals are a clear and vivid target that you want to attain. “SEE THE TARGET. HIT THE TARGET.” Goals are always accompanied by a plan and action.
How do you set goals?
- Decide what you want to accomplish
- Devise a plan with small action steps
- Work on the plan to achieve your desired results
This week, I attended a goal setting workshop. I loved how they separated goals into categories: Faith, Family, Business/Work, Fun, Fitness and Health, and FREAKY (goals that literally freak you out!).
Tips for setting goals:
- choose goals that are worthwhile
- opt for goals that are achievable
- make your goals specific
- be committed to your goals
I liked the SMART acronym that we used in my training.
S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Attainable
R – Relevant
T – Timely
How to start?
Write down your goals for each category. Remember, what you focus on you find. So focusing on your goals is going to keep those goals in the forefront of your mind. You will think of your goals, envision yourself accomplishing those goals, and therefore get into action.
Each goal should have action steps. How are you going to achieve that goal? What is one thing you can do every day to move toward that goal. Here’s another tip: don’t try to achieve all of your goals in each category all at the same time. That won’t keep you focused. Prioritize your goals. Write them out in your calendar so you know where to start and where to move next once you reach each goal!
What does it mean to have goals that are attainable and relevant? Your goals should stretch you, but they should also be goals that serve you and your purpose and your talents. Remember that you need to make small and consistent steps to move you forward toward your goals.
How about those freaky goals? We should always have goals that really MOVE us. There needs to be an emotional attachment to our goals and sometimes the scary goals are the ones that are really going to move us into action and develop us into the people God designed us to be. Don’t settle with your goals.
Want to take this a step further?
Instead of making a vision board with magazine cut outs, take pictures of YOU achieving your goals. Want to speak in front of a crowd at an event? Take a picture of yourself up on a stage! Want to accomplish a physical goal like finishing a race? Take a picture of yourself cheering at the finish line. Remember the emotional attachment? Envisioning yourself accomplishing your goal with help with your focus on that goal and meditate on how it will feel to truly accomplish what you set out to do!
What is one goal you have for 2018?
