Before starting my own business this year, I led marketing teams of all sizes to reach ambitious business and career development goals for over 20 years. And now as a small business owner, mom of 2, and developing artist, I continue to refine my process managing the challenges of competing priorities and how to achieve as much as possible in a finite set of hours.
Here’s what I do to set goals, prioritize, plan, and execute through out the year. These 8 steps to cultivate effective goals and intentions for the new year, have often amplified how I seemingly “get it all done”. First, I cannot say enough about the power of journaling to illuminate the path.
When I was a senior in college, I wrote a list down every year and I wrote my goals for every milestone birthday. I look back at that list today and some, I laugh at, while many other things have continued to be a guiding light to how I spend my energy and live today.
The Power of Journaling
Increased Self-Awareness: Journaling unveils deeper insights into your aspirations, fostering a profound understanding of what truly matters to you.
Improved Focus & Motivation: Documenting goals sharpens your clarity and invigorates your drive, making the path to achieving them more visible and attainable.
Enhanced Problem-Solving: By reflecting in your journal, you can identify obstacles and devise strategies to overcome them, turning potential hurdles into stepping stones.
Reduced Stress & Anxiety: The act of writing serves as a therapeutic release, easing the burdens tied to goal-setting and achievement.
Your Journal Journey: 8 Steps to Success
- Reflection & Gratitude: Begin by reflecting on past achievements and challenges. What treasures and lessons did the last year bring?
- Identify Core Values: Define your guiding principles. How can your goals align with these values to ensure they resonate on a personal level?
- Dream Big & Set SMART Goals: Envision your grandest dreams. Break them down into SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
- Break Down Goals into Smaller Steps: Identify actionable steps you can take today or this week, and set larger monthly milestones.
- Create a Vision Board or List of Intentions: Visualize your goals through a vision board or prioritize a list of intentions for the year.
- Schedule Time for Goal Pursuit: Dedicate regular time slots for nurturing your goals. Make this schedule realistic and sustainable.
- Track Progress & Celebrate Wins: Regularly assess your progress, acknowledge obstacles, and celebrate small victories.
- Review & Adjust Regularly: Ensure that your goals remain aligned with your values and priorities, and be open to recalibrating as needed.
Embrace Key Success Factors
- Consistency: Dedicate regular time and effort, even if brief, to your goals.
- Flexibility: Adapt to shifting circumstances and evolving priorities.
- Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself during setbacks and celebrate every step forward.
- Mindfulness: Stay present in your journey, cherishing the growth it brings.
Remember, goal-setting is a continuous journey. Embrace patience, relish the adventure, and savor the transformative dance of personal growth. By reflecting weekly and monthly, you not only progress but accelerate toward your goals.
So, grab your journal and let it guide you to a year of remarkable achievements. What methods do you find helpful in achieving your goals? Share your thoughts and let's embark on this journey together!