Think about some of the most gratifying times in your life.
I'm talking about the moments that brought a smile of satisfaction to your face. If you’re like me, the reasons for such times vary, and include:
- Accomplishing a task or project
- Living into one of my primary life roles in a meaningful way (Husband, Father, CEO, friend, etc.)
- Achieving a dream or goal
- Strengthening a relationship
- Slowing down enough to realize and express gratitude for my many blessings
- Adding value to someone else
As I consider the coming year, I realize that for most of us, there are two likely scenarios.
1. Take each day as it comes. React to the ups and downs that come our way, and hope for the best.
2. Make some plans for what you want to accomplish and for whom you want to become. As the year unfolds, take daily, proactive action toward your clearly-defined goals for the year.
As we look at the two options above, it is interesting to note: Both approaches will take you to the end of 2018. Time marches on. And the main difference in option one and option two is planning. Even if this year produces several challenges for you, if you’re like me, you’ll smile more if you approach the year with intention and planning.
Goal setting is an excellent way to plan your year. And here are five tips to help you set and accomplish more meaningful goals for your life – and smile more in 2018!
- Ask “Why” as well as “What.”
Most of us must ask ourselves questions to figure out what’s essential and what isn’t.
– Anthony Robbins
Asking and understanding “Why is this important to me?” will give you the emotional and motivational energy to keep moving forward when you struggle in the middle of a 2018 goal.
Remember, you will lose your way when you lose you why.
- Make a “To-Be” list as well as “To-Do” list
As you prepare your goals, plan to live your life with a “to-be” list as well as “to-do” list.
Whom you are becoming is so important… Because it will drive what you do.
– Robin Sharma
- Adjust Accordingly
As you implement and execute your 2018 plans and goals, expect to adjust them as the year goes by.
When you move forward, you will learn something new that you had not considered before that would lead you to an even better path. Be willing to adjust your goals and plans accordingly.
– John C. Maxwell
- Be Others-Focused as well as Me-Focused
Often our plans and goals are very “me” focused. Could I suggest you add an element where you have an “add-value to others” focus? Think about how you can impact and influence others.
Consider doing something for or giving to someone without expecting anything in return.
– John Wooden
- Determine What You Will Stop Doing
Once you decide what you want to accomplish for the year, it’s important to count the cost of your goals. Often, we need more time in our schedules to accomplish our newly set goals. One sure-fire way to create time in your schedule is to stop doing certain activities that currently occupy your time.
SUCCESS TIP: Consider making a “Stop Doing” list that contains the activities and behaviors that you need to remove from your life to make time for your newly identified goals.
– Jim Collins
What about you? How do you prepare for the coming year? Which of the ideas listed above will you try this year? Leave your thoughts in the comment section.
Learn more about my online Goal Planning Success course <here>. If you would like to do better at goal setting, then you owe it to yourself to investigate this course. It's like a GPS for your life!
I hope the above suggestions were helpful. Goal setting has been so instrumental to my success. I’ve prepared a special PDF document with additional goal-setting insights. You can download my FREE download Good to Great Goal Setting <here>.
