Goals

As we are nearing the end of 2023, our brains, being a super time tracker, may naturally prompt us to do some reflections. Here is my must-do goal-setting guide that I've followed for many years.

1. Know your core values.

Your core values are your principles and life rules, beliefs, and ideologies that guide your decisions, behaviors, and habits. As you gain wisdom from each life experience, your values may evolve, so ensuring you're also updating your actions and goals makes sense. Your core values must align with your goals and actions.

A few ways to identify your core values include reviewing your roles and the hats you wear that are the most significant and precious to you. You can also reflect on your most cherished memories and experiences...what ways of being and guiding principles were essential to you then?

2. Clarify your goals.

Now that you've clarified your core values, review them regularly to align them with your goals. Goals are clearer when they are aligned with your values, beliefs, and what's important in your life.

3. Envision outcomes.

What do you want to pursue and accomplish? How does it feel to be there or to have the outcomes you desire?

4. Plan the path.

What resources do you have now to get started? What do you need to make it happen? What barriers do you anticipate and need to mitigate?

5. Break your goals into action items.

If a necessary action requires multiple steps, that's a project. Identify the different projects under each goal. Then, break down each project into tasks- these are the most concrete action items that need to be on your calendar.

6. Plan how to reinforce your goals.

Set up your reinforcements to support your goals. Get support, talk about your goals, and give yourself visual cues.

Goals begin as wishes/dreams; they remain in your head until clear action items are on your calendar and you get them done. I've experimented with this a million times, and there is no way around an action having to take time. It would be best to allocate time for the action items (tasks) progressing the projects vital to achieving your goals.

One of the most important things to have is a system that helps you track your goals in the context of time. Have a planner or a calendar system you will follow and commit to using consistently. This will lessen the risk of feeling overwhelmed!

Remember, your brain wants the easiest, most straightforward path. So, make sure to organize your thoughts and plan!