Goal Setting

Can be a daunting process for some. However, how you want to feel by this time next year,  might depend on what goals you have set for yourself this year. I always say this, do not wait for the so-called New Year’s resolutions to decide you need to change something in your life.

Any image you envisage of yourself 10 years or 5 years from now sorely depends on the groundwork you lay now. If you actually want to actualize this dream you need to set some goals for yourself.

The reason why most people do not actualize or accomplish their set goals is that they do not put in the tremendous amount of planning that comes with the question ‘what to do before setting goals’

I want to share the things I do BEFORE I set goals to better set me up for success. Why don’t we start by taking an inventory of where our life is at the moment. Ask your self questions like:

• What aspect of my life am I looking to improve?
• What amazing things have I achieved (In the areas selected above ) so far this year?
• What did I want to achieve but didn’t?  Be honest, why didn’t you?
• How are my health and mental well being?
• Are my finances where I want them to be?
• Have I really progressed in my business or professional life?
• How did I limit myself in my business or professional life? and how do I stop that?

You can add more fundamental questions to the list. At this point, make sure you are being realistic about where you are in terms of personal, financial, and professional growth. Now that you have an understanding of your current situation/growth, you now have a benchmark to measure the amount of effort needed to accomplish long term goals. You also now have a benchmark to compare your future milestones with. Below is a list of the next step to take:

     1) Set a purposeful long-term goal

Remember that owning liabilities are not necessarily purposeful long – term goals. It’s about acquiring the cash to buy these liabilities that are sometimes needed.

So instead of writing ‘I want to own a Benz in 2020’, think about how you can acquire the wealth or build profitability in your area of interest, either in business or professionally in other to allow you the ability to enjoy more leisure goods and time.

Other purposeful long term goals include improved mental and physical health may be through dieting and fitness, yoga. It could even be building a stronger friendship or relationship bond.

     2) Set Realistic Goals

Realistic here mean two things, firstly write it down. Most people set goals in their head, once you write it down, it becomes real. Secondly realistic in the sense that you make sure it relates to you and it is achievable.

Make a draft of your 5 or 10-year goal plan

Re-read and make a draft of a one-year goal plan

Do this for each year till the 5th or 10th year

Pick the one-year goal plan and start building specific short-term goals.

Define what you hope to achieve this year. Include your expectations and monthly to-do lists.

You might not realize this but you are creating a flexible road-map to where you want to see yourself in the near future.

    3) Share your Goals with an Accountability Partner

Having an accountability partner to share our goals and growth could inspire you and others. An accountability partner could be a friend or friends and loved ones.

Naturally, your loved ones would love to be involved in your growth, therefore having that check-in with you will bring about progress.

This is also another way to keep yourself motivated. Most times we want to do things but lack motivation.

You just might be helping someone else by sharing your growth and journey.

Create a determined plan of action with these steps and stick with them.