The 2 Prerequisites for Setting Goals
Know where you are and where you are going
Welcome to 2022!
If you have been on social media for more than a minute this year you have probably seen posts about folks' New Year's Resolutions. You've probably also seen some #resolutionfail posts.
One reason they may have given up before even getting started is that they didn't take some time to plan. To use any GPS app on your phone you need to know 2 things:
- Your current location and
- Your destination
The same is true for goal setting.
To create and achieve our goals, we need both
- a realistic picture of where we are today and
- we need to consider where we want to go.
I have never been much of a diarist, but reflecting on where I have been can give me clarity on both where I am and what I need to change. Before you begin checking off the steps to reach your goals, take a look back at 2021.
Consider these 4 questions:
- What worked well last year?
- What didn't work well and could be changed?
- What didn't work or is no longer relevant and should be discarded?
- What should you add to your life this year?
Don't just think about them - write down your thoughts and refer back to your notes as you begin planning for 2022.
We usually create goals for a month, a quarter or a year but let's get a long-term view - our final destination. You may have read a book, heard a podcast or attended a workshop about creating a life vision. Sometimes the speaker will guide you to write your own obituary.
If all of that seems overwhelming, consider your future in a smaller "chunk". Dream about the next 10 years.
- Where do you want to be 10 years from now?
- What do you want to have accomplished?
- What will you look back on and be proud of?
Be sure to think about the many different areas of your life - professional, family, health, spiritual, etc... You are a multidimensional person so don't overlook the many areas of your life.
Don't rush the process. Take the time that you need to both review the past year and get a clear focus for your future.
It will be much better to delay your start and begin well than to head off in the wrong direction.
Y'all have a great week!
Renee'
