According to Wikipedia: Goal setting involves establishing specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time targeted goals (S.M.A.R.T) goals.
Have you written down your goals for 2014 yet? Now is the time to start planning for next year and beyond. Look back at 2013 and see what worked and what didn’t. What are some things you achieved and want more of? What are some things you wanted to achieve but didn’t? By writing down your specific goals, steps to get there as well as a deadline for each goal, you are more likely to achieve them. Make sure you set goals for all areas of your life. Why? Because they are all interconnected and part of you and your life.
Dan Miller, creator of the 48 Days Blog publishes a free “The Power of Goals” guide each year. It’s a short ten page workbook. It’s a great tool and one that I try to do each year. Now of course, a goal does not need to be set in stone but if you write them down, refer back to the guide to see how you are doing, you are more likely to do them because they are right there in your face reminding you. How many times have you said you are going to do something just to remember a year later? If someone reminded you monthly then it’s more likely to happen. Sharing your goals with others is also a great way to be held accountable. Another important aspect is to set a date/deadline, or it becomes too easy to just push it down the road.
I often use running a marathon as an example. If one of your goals is to run a half marathon next year I’m going to bet money on you are not going to run a half next year. However, if you send in the entry fee for the Nashville, TN half marathon that will take place on April 24, 2014 you not only have a date, you also have a financial motivation to start training.
Dan Miller recommend you set goals for the following areas of your life:
- Financial
- Physical
- Personal Development
- Family
- Spiritual
- Social
- Career/Work/Dream
I also recommend you set goals for:
- Help Others/Non-profit work
- Social media/computer free day each week so you can reconnect by disconnecting
- Monthly declutter & cleanup when you go through emails, piles of paper and get organized
To view or print out the “Power of Goals” by Dan Miller click 48 Days Free Worksheets. It will take you to all of Dan Miller’s free worksheets including his FREE worksheet for goals.
*There are affiliate links in this post.
What are some of your goals for 2014?