So it’s that time of year when we start thinking about things we want to do in the new year. Some of us like to think about resolutions, some of us ponder about goals and some like to dream about our wish lists or future achievements. Goals are also about everyday things from things to tick off the to-do list or stuff that needs to get done.
I know the months go by quickly and next thing we know we’re well into 2017. I’ve been thinking a lot about my 2017 goals over the last two months. There are a mix of big and small ones. This week, I’ve focused more on my goals for next week. So here’s seven top tips for setting goals that work for you…
- Would would you love to achieve?…Sometimes when we set goals we think about what we should or need to achieve. Start off with what you’d really love to do or try out next year. Jot down all of your dream goals. It’s your wishlist. It doesn’t all have to happen but it’s nice capturing it. Then you can see how these dream goals fit in with your lifestyle or year ahead. Don’t forget to think about goals to do with things you currently enjoy doing. Goals don’t have to be about brand new things. It might be something you wish to do more of.
- Break up the big goals into smaller ones…It’s good to have big goals but it’s also important to make them manageable. Be realistic in what you can do. There’s no point creating goals if they make you feel pressured or stressed out about doing them all. So carve out little ones which you can easily tick off the list. It’s all about moving in the right direction (I remember this when I have too much to do as it’s the name of one of my favourite tracks by Steve Parks).
- Listen to your own motivators…It’s important to have goals that work for you and your lifestyle. Avoid comparing yourself to others and what goals they might be planning. It’s hard to avoid comparisons. Focus that time and energy on moving closer to your goals instead of getting caught up in comparison culture.
- Find your support so your goals feel manageable…Yes we may be superwomen and supermen juggling everything. Sometimes it’s good to work out what support you need to achieve your goals. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or maybe find yourself a coach or mentor. Sometimes we need a little steer or we need to know we’re on the right track. Sometimes we need questions answered by someone with different experience.
- Your time…Think about when you want to reach your goals. Be honest with yourself about when you can achieve them. Don’t worry if your own deadlines pass – life is busy enough! Don’t forget to plan (if possible) some time to spend on your goals. Are you going to do something every week or every month?
- Define your own success… Whether we’re pursuing careers, running households or businesses, managing maternity or paternity leaves, bloggers or generally career-minded people we can often feel we should be achieving X,Y and Z by a certain date. Numbers can play a big part in measuring success but also think about the meaningful measures. These can be the other reasons why you set yourself a goal. How will you know when you’re getting closer to reaching your goal? What does success look like for you? What will make you happy about reaching your goal? Remember that you set your own goals and you are the one working to achieve them. Think about what progress looks like for you. What is an achievement for you? Don’t be hard on yourself if you feel others are progressing in different directions to you.
- You own your goals…nobody else. So you can shape them, create them and also change them! Don’t feel tied to the set of goals you set yourself at the beginning. As with the changeable nature of everyday life, goals may need to be tweaked, changed or even thrown out to make space for better suited ones. Don’t feel bad if you haven’t reached your goals. You’re in charge of setting your goals so go with the flow if you need to.
Goal-setting may not be for everyone and remember you don’t need goals to achieve things or be proud of what you do or who you are.
Over to you…Do you like setting yourself goals? What kind of things would you like to do or achieve this year? What helps you to achieve your goals? Leave a comment below if you fancy sharing your thoughts…
If you would like some expert help with setting your goals or any other professional development or career things on your wish list, feel free to drop me a line at sunita@luckythings.co.uk
X Sunita
My goal is to set honest realistic goals so they are achievable. Thanks for a thought provoking post.
Sounds great Tamu. It’s so much nicer when the goals feel achievable. You’ve done some amazing things this year. Lots to celebrate xx
I love this post Sunita! I like your advice of “breaking up big goals into smaller goals”. This definitely works for me, one small step at a time. Or sometimes I have an idea and keep it in mind, but I don’t put myself under so much pressure that I become unhappy.
Do you know what, I have some pretty ambitious goals, but my problem is I’m a planner and not an executor (even in my day job I’m a strategist!) I just need to sit down and properly plan how I’m going to make it all happen…then just DO IT! I jeep putting things off as I think I don’t have time/no childcare to free myself up/no bla bla. Whatever. Enough of the excuses. It’s time I got down to business! #fortheloveofBLOG