It may seem like a chore you don’t have time for at the end of the year (always a busy time for most of us), but setting clear goals is essential for accomplishing what you envision for the New Year.
Think of it like a road trip: If you don’t know where you are going, and don’t have directions, how are you going to get there? A vague idea that your destination is north may lead to a lot of extra miles.
To ensure you make the most of 2024, set aside time to do the following before 2023 ends or within the first few weeks of 2024.
Reflect on the past
Look over your 2023 achievements and failures. Analyze what worked well and what could have gone better. This exercise will help you flag areas where you can improve and set realistic expectations (small improvements are best) for the New Year.
Define your priorities
What matters most to you for 2024? Starting with a list of the seven areas of growth:
1. Spiritual
2. Financial
3. Career
4. Intellectual
5. Fitness
6. Family and
7. Social,
pick a few categories you want to focus on next year. Do you want to improve in terms of career, social and fitness, or spiritual, intellectual and family (or another three)?
Narrow down your priorities to a few key areas; trying to tackle too much can lead to spreading yourself too thin.
For example, you might have the following three priorities: “Get a better-paying job/promotion (career), call Mom once a week (family), get the paint out and work on my art at least two hours per month (intellectual).”
Set SMART goals
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound goals are crucial for tracking progress and staying motivated. Break your priorities into smaller, manageable objectives that meet the SMART criteria.
We don’t accomplish our goals by accident, especially if we don’t know what they are! “Have a better year in 2024” is not specific enough. You won’t know if you met this goal because it is not measurable. Think of something you can clearly define, like, “Earn $5,000 more in 2024 than in 2023.”
Develop an action plan
Once you have your goals, create a solid plan. It should outline the steps you need to take to accomplish each objective. Set deadlines, create milestones and rewards, and regularly review and adjust your plan as necessary.
For example, if you want to call your mom every week,
- start writing it on the calendar as an appointment, perhaps for Sunday afternoons.
- Decide how long each call will last.
- Set a timer on your phone.
- When the timer goes off, wind down the call.
- Plan a little reward for after you have achieved this goal for a month, such as a massage or a two-hour staycation to a museum, restaurant or park you have been wanting to visit.
Stay committed and motivated
Consistently remind yourself of your goals throughout the year. Visual reminders, journaling or sharing your goals with your spouse or a trusted friend are all ways to stay focused and accountable. Celebrate small victories along the way to keep the momentum going.
I suggest a monthly sub-goal for each goal each month and a little reward for every one you achieve.
The more specific you can get about your goals and the steps toward achieving them, the better your chances of success.
The coaches at Right Path Enterprises can help you with this process. By setting clear goals and implementing effective strategies, you’ll be well on your way to a great year!
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