Setting Goals and Sticking to Them

It's January and many of us are diving into our resolutions with a passionate cry that this year I will stick with my goals! Wait -- didn’t we say that last year….and the year before that? Sticking to new goals is a challenge. Here are some ways to set appropriate goals and successfully accomplish them.

 

Define the Goals
- Create a clear definition of what your goal is.

- Be clear on the “why” of the goal which is your motivation.

- If you have more than one goal, group them into categories
- Tackling too many goals is a recipe for failure. Stick to a few key goals.

 

The Road Map

- A critical step is defining the how-to with monthly, daily, weekly steps.

- Put each step on a calendar to keep it top of mind and direct a clear path.

 

Evaluation – Practice not Perfection

- Put check-ins on the calendar to review progress

- Reviewing will drive more meaning to the goal and redirect efforts if needed.

- Each quarter ask questions such as - is the goal still relevant, how would you grade your progress, can you do other things to improve?

Celebrate the Wins

- Encouragement along the way keeps you engaged to accomplish your goals.

- Changing isn’t all or nothing. Celebrate victories with small rewards.

  

Example Goals

• Business Goal:
  Define - grow sales by 5%
  Motivation - a more profitable business
  Map - create monthly retail sales promotion with help of sales team
  Evaluation - monthly review of sales results,what worked what didn't
  Celebration - quarterly catered lunch, bonus at year end if achieve goal
• Health Goal:
  Define - Reach my goal weight of 150 lbs
  Motivation - a healthier me to be active and live longer
  Map - sign up and calendar an exercise class and attend 3 days a week
  Evaluation - monthly weigh in and review of efforts
  Celebration - quarterly get new shoes, year end a full spa day

Remember that life is about the journey. You will learn, you will fall, and you will grow– with focused intention, a plan, and self awareness you can stick with those goals and make them happen!