As we begin a new year our thoughts often turn to looking ahead to what we want to do with the next 12 months. We may talk about New Year Resolutions, a few of us may even get to thinking about setting some goals but a few months into the year typically we are living a repeat of the previous year.
So how do we set goals that we can stick with, achieve and make a difference to our lives?
The key element to setting goals is identifying what it is you REALLY WANT to have, be or do. If you can get excited just thinking about your goal then you are starting off on the right lines. DESIRE is the key to successfully achieving your goals. when the going gets tough, the obstacles & challenges appear it is this desire that see's you through and keeps you motivated and on track.
SMART goals dont work! It's fine for managers to use this for setting goals for staff as it ensures they are achievable & realistic and includes a timebound element thus making a performance review easier to do. However, how many of these type of goals have ever really inspired you?
Get your goals written down somewhere and make sure you keep refering to them. Also write down the benefits of achieving the goal, it really helps build desire and remind you why it's so important to achieve it. And when the obstacles appear (and they will!), remembering the benefits will provide you with the motivation you need to overcome them.
This is a really cool way to create the life you want to live rather than go with the flow or do what others expect of you.
For further info and resources check out the Newsletter and Resources links on our website
Steve D