Happy New Year everyone!
I hope we’re all excited for the New Year – yes, even though we’re still in the middle of a global pandemic. I can imagine how uncertain and scared some of us are, alas, life has to go on. We have to think positive and be hopeful for better things in 2021. And in the same breath set personal goals for the new year.
As the famous saying goes, “failing to plan, is planning to fail”. So even through these uncertain times, we have to prepare for the months ahead to avoid confusion throughout the year. You can ask yourself a few questions to start; why should I set a goal? What do I want in life? What do I want to achieve?
If you’re feeling stuck in your goal setting, here are a few steps to help you.
1. Write Down Your Personal Goals
This is my first step. It could be on a piece of paper, tablet or computer.
Have somewhere to write, where you can always look back to during the year. To track if you’re sticking to your goals or if you’ve derailed from them.
Writing your goals down has the power to remind you about their purpose in your life, especially on days where you feel down.
2. Set Realistic And Attainable Goals
I know it’s very exciting to think outside the box and far out, but at times this can be a downfall.
For example, if you’re a small business owner and your goals go something like, “buy a Range Rover by March”, that’s unrealistic.
The first goal to think about as a small business owner is how you’re going to grow your small business instead of thinking about luxury. Setting unrealistic goals can cause you to lose focus.
3. Always Go For What You’re Good At, And What You Love
I would like to believe everyone knows what they’re capable of; their strengths and weaknesses, what they love and what they don’t. So when it comes to goal setting, always go for what you’re good at and what you love.
Look back at your previous year’s goals, some you didn’t achieve because you just couldn’t stand the hard work they required when nothing motivated you. Making it important to set goals based on your strengths, passion and love. It’ll make them easy to pursue.
4. Set Goals That’ll Help You Improve Different Aspects Of Your Life
Set goals that will touch on health, career, family and relationships. This makes it more fun and covers all areas of your life.
Set a goal to improve your health and fitness because you cannot attain your goals on a weak body or mind.
Career-wise or business-wise, if you’re are an entrepreneur because you need your finances to be in the right state, you cannot mobilize your goals without a budget.
Family and relationships are where it begins and where it ends. Set goals that can improve the quality of life for your family and relationships.
5. Consider The Cost, Time, Money And Mental Resources Of Your Goals
What is the cost of your goal? Can you afford it? Set a time frame for one goal. How long will it take to achieve it, and do you have the time for it? How much will it cost you to achieve a certain goal? Can you afford the cost/s? What mental state are you in? Can your mental fitness accord you the privilege to work on that goal?
These are questions we don’t usually consider when setting goals, but determine how far you go ion reaching them.
6. Be Intentional About Your Goals
Intentionality is everything. Avoid creating goals for the fun of it or just because it’s fashionable and everyone is going for it.
Create goals that you’re certain you want to be achieved, and those that you’ll be willing to give your all to see them come alive. Goal that will disrupt your comfort zone – it’s about pursuing growth.
Wake up every day with one thing in your mind, to achieve a goal. Don’t create a goal and later think it’s not possible to achieve only because it’s delaying or it now seems boring. Stand firm on your goals. Have a positive mindset towards your goals, believe in your goals. The fact that you’re able to think they’re attainable, means it’s definitely possible.
Also, remember that every day is a chance to work towards a goal, your goals won’t achieve themselves, it takes work. So be intentional in putting in the work.
I’m wishing everyone a goal-oriented 2021. Remember whatever the mind can conceive, the body can do. You’re your own limitation. Set goals that challenge you, those that would make you super proud should you attain them.
- How To Set Personal Goals For A Hopeful 2021 - 13/01/2021
