January. The perfect time to list your short and long-term goals to set you on the path to success for the year ahead.
According to Forbes, ‘people who vividly describe their goals in a written form are 1.4 times more likely to accomplish their goals compared to those that don’t.’
I personally love writing goals each year. I actually take it one step further and write 3 big goals on champagne bottles, and when I hit them, I pop them open to celebrate.
Before constructing new goals, reflect on everything you've achieved and learned on your journey so far. You may just be surprised by how far you've already come. Next, review some areas of improvement and things you were disappointed by - looking at your achievements and defeats will help you set effective goals.
Now, list your new year goals with these five golden rules in mind:
1. Focus on lifestyle
Don’t just look at career goals. Think about things in life that make you happy, hobbies you enjoy, or something that needs to change. These things will improve your happiness and well-being, and in turn, will sharpen your focus in your professional career. You may want to take things one step further and try something completely new, like learning a new language, start a new sport or take cooking lessons. The world is your oyster!
2. Write Goals that Align with Your Principles
According to the Entrepreneur, ‘If your career goals aren’t supporting your life goals and your values, your unlikely to be fulfilled.’ So, make sure you are living to your values and your professional career aligns with your beliefs, specialist skills and complements your unique attributes. If you are feeling frustrated or unmotivated, it may be time for a change.
3. Set goals that you can control
Don’t depend on other people to achieve your goals. You are more likely to succeed if you have control over your objectives. Ask friends, family and work colleagues for support but your success should be in your hands.
4. Think BIG
If you don’t plan big, then you won’t achieve big. Don’t be scared to push yourself and set your sights high. It may take some time and hard work to get there, but by setting smaller, short term objectives that relate to achieving your long-term goals you may be able to get there.
5. Manage Risks
You are likely to run into some hurdles along the way whilst on your mission to achieve your goals, but this is inevitable. Plan and consider potential risks associated with the goals you have set, this way you can be prepared for potential curveballs.
“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes.”
– Andrew Carnegie
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