Get a Head Start on Next Year by Being an Intentional Goal-Setter
Do you set goals for yourself, whether they are professional or personal? It’s hard to stay on track if you don’t know which track you are on. We find it is harder to set and stick with personal goals but they are attainable with the right intentionality. As we are closing in on the end of the year, it’s a great time to start thinking about your goals for the future. So no matter the type of goals you are establishing, here are some tips to help you get started and keep focused on success.
Goals that inspire you
If you are not inspired or motivated by a goal, then it’s not the goal you need to be setting. Think about why you need or want to set each goal, then identify the reason it's important. If you don’t really want to do something it will not be a priority for you. Remember, in order to achieve your goals they must be priorities.
S.M.A.R.T. goals
Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Realistic. Time-bound. By now you’ve probably learned what S.M.A.R.T. goals are and how to implement them, but have you really? Using this method is a great way to break your goal down into actionable items, allow you to set milestones, and make your targets more attainable.
Find accountability partners
Humans were meant to do life with other humans, whether we are introverted or extroverted. If you have a great big goal that you must reach, find a friend or co-worker who can help hold you accountable. Set up a weekly coffee or lunch date to check-in and make sure you are staying on track.
Learn to say no
It’s easier to say yes because we want to make others happy and help out when we can, but there are definitely times when we need to say no. Especially if saying yes could derail any progress we have made toward attaining our goals. It’s important to learn that telling someone no does not make us self-centered or unwilling to help. Learning to say no so you can be the best version of yourself will ultimately make it easier to say yes when the right opportunities come along.
As the year winds down, make sure you take some time to reflect on the past months. We challenge you to choose both a personal and a professional goal for the coming year, work out a plan to achieve those goals, and find an accountability partner.