Everyone typically acknowledges that self‐reflection and goal setting is valuable. There have been numerous studies and statistics that connect goal setting to success in both your business life, and your personal life. Setting goals can give you long‐term vision and short‐term motivation. But like many things worth having, goals need your attention and your commitment. You cannot achieve a goal, no matter how much you desire it, without planning, commitment and on‐going effort.

In the same way that you set goals for work, how much time do you spend determining what you want to accomplish professionally and personally? Do you write down your goals, identify milestones and create action steps? Now is the time to think about what you want to accomplish in your life next year. If you are ready to invest the time and energy, take a look at these steps:

  1. Consider goals in a variety of significant areas in your life, such as career, professional development, education, financial, community service or health and well‐being.
  2. Write down your goals, it provides clarity about what you seek to accomplish.
  3. Define your goals further by using the SMART approach (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-Focused and Time-Bound).
  4. Frame your goals with positive power statements.
  5. Set goals with differing timelines throughout the year.
  6. Set periodic milestones and create a recognition plan to reward your progress.

Statistics show that people who write down their goals are over 80% more likely to achieve them. In our experience, people who have established a detailed, written plan not only attain their goals, but often times attain them faster than anticipated. In addition, instituting quarterly mini-reviews encourages agility and faster corrective action when necessary.

Finally, keep yourself accountable by sharing your goals with a partner, hiring a coach or enlisting others to support your journey. Ultimately, there is a greater sense of accomplishment because you have taken control and gained the power to transform your life. Step outside your comfort zone by thinking about the possibilities.

For more reading on these topics, take a look at these articles:

https://www.fastcompany.com/90585239/how-to-set-goals-in-the-face-of-continued-uncertainty

https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanmichelson2/2020/12/23/think-about-2021-goal-setting–differently/?sh=e1ed5c133cb0