As I write this the year is coming to an end. This is always a natural time to reflect on the past 12 months and plan out the next 12. Though most people will agree that it is important to plan, the majority of people in this world will spend more time planning a weeks vacation than they will planning out their yearly goals. I’ve been told that if you write your goals down that you are among the top 5% of people on the planet. I believe that to succeed at whatever you endeavor you must know what it is you want to accomplish and determine the path you must take to get there. This process is goal setting and if you do not take the time to do this on a regular basis you will most likely end up working for someone who does. Without intentionally mapping out your life you may get to the end and have no idea how you got there.
What is a goal?
A goal is defined as “The object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.” It is an aspiration that gets accomplished by perspiration. It is a fact that you will most likely be working the next 12 months anyway- you might as well do it on purpose.
How do you set goals?
In school we are taught that business goals need to meet the S.M.A.R.T. criteria. This is an effective tool for your personal goals also.
S- Specific-Clearly defined with no ambiguous language. Your goals need to define the who, what, when, where and why. One example is instead of “I want to get into better shape” you would have better results with “I am going to the gym 3 days a week for 45 minutes” or “I will run my first 5K this year.”
M- Measurable– You need to be able to quantify your goals and track your progress. “I am going to drink more water each day” is not easily measurable. To make it measurable you could state “I am going to drink 8 glasses of water a day” or even more specific and measurable “I am going to drink 64 ounces of water each day.”
A- Achievable- Be realistic about what you plan to achieve. Be brutally honest with yourself when evaluating your goals. If you are the person who always takes the elevator and have not exercised in 10 years it might be unrealistic to have “Climb Mount Everest” as your 12 month goal…But maybe your 5 year goal.
R- Relevant or Rewarding– Determine if the goal or outcome of the goal is something you are passionate about. Without passion there will be little drive to reach our goal.
T- Timed- Napoleon Hill once said “Goals without deadlines are dreams.” This is a true statement. Timelines help create a sense of urgency that helps to keep you on track. These dates also help you keep your promise to yourself.
What areas of your life should you set goals?
I believe there are 6 basic areas for goal setting. You can have more than these 6 areas but don’t have so many you get diluted. Focus is your friend.
- Financial- When is the last time you took a real look at your finances. Do you have a budget? Do you have earnings goals? Goals for paying off debt, personal savings and retirement? What can you do today to start moving toward your goals?
- Career- Are you working with a company that reflects your values? Is there a promotion you have been working toward? Where do you want to be in the next 12 months? The next 5 years? What can you be doing today to start moving toward your goal?
- Physical- Do you take time 3-4 days a week to work on your health and fitness? Are you eating right? When is the last time you had a physical from your physician? What can you do today to start moving toward your goal?
- Spiritual- Do you know God’s purpose for your life? Are you living out that purpose out everyday? Are you a part of something that is bigger than yourself? Do you spend some quiet time each day? Is your Spiritual tank on empty? Are you just surviving from day to day? If so, this may be a key area for you to focus.
- Development- “You are the same today as you’ll be in five years except for the people you meet and the books you read.” Charlie Jones. One theory is that if you read three books on a single subject you can become an expert on that subject. There is power and inspiration in learning. Evaluate where you are today and where you want to be. Identify the gaps in your personal development and take action. Do you need to finish your degree or maybe enroll in a leadership program? Learn to speak Spanish? Build that bookshelf you have always thought about. Write that book that lies within you.
- Relationships- From Family to work to social relationships can be a blessing or a burden. To make relationships great it takes work. Sometimes this work is not fun but it is necessary. Is there someone you need to forgive? Can you reach out to someone you might normally avoid? Be an encouragement others? Pledge to spend X amount of time with each of your children on a regular and consistent basis. Make a date night with your spouse. Turn off the TV 2 nights a week to have a family dinner. Find what is important to you and the ones you care about and make it a priority.
There is power in putting pen to paper. Writing your goals down has some real benefits:
Clarity- Writing your goals forces you to intentionally stop and define what you want out of the next 12 months or 5 years or life. Writing also makes these goals more real and tangible.
Momentum- Writing your goals down is only the start and sometimes just starting is the hardest part. Seeing your goals on paper can be exciting and help push you to execute the next step in your plan to reach your goal.
Decision Making- Knowing what you are “all about” can help you filter the various options and opportunities that come at you each day. By investing the time to thoughfully consider your goals allows you to quickly determine a yes or no. It helps you stay focused and on course to accomplish what you have determined is important.
Positivity- Writing your goals will help you remain positive when the criticism and resistance from others comes your way. Anyone working to change themselves or accomplish something big and different can expect to encounter opposition from folks that are insecure and small minded. Don’t let these folks hold you back.
Measure Progress- Knowing where you want to go and from where you are coming helps to create a map of milestones. Celebrate the success of reaching each milestone no matter how small. When you reach one milestone take a few minutes to reflect on just how far you have come!
As my friend Micheal Burt says “You are the co-creator of your life” and your choices determine the out come. Choose to be intentional about your life. Don’t just coast along hoping things will work out. Invest some time in yourself and the planning of your life. Determine your goals, develop a plan to reach those goals, execute on the plan and celebrate the small victories along the way. This is your life…don’t be a spectator be a participant!
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