Well 2013 is well under way now for most of us. The fun and craziness of the Festive season is becoming a distant memory as the reality of the day-to-day sets in once again. It’s during this period from New Year’s Eve onwards that most people reflect on the year that was and plan for the New Year. Some people make new years resolutions, things like; I will eat less sugar, I will do more exercise, I will donate more to charity. Sometimes these resolutions turn into strategic and planned goals that can be achieved and sometimes they are mere declarations that are forgotten by mid January.
As I reflect on 2012, I’m amazed at the changes that occurred in my life and happy to say that most of my written goals have manifested into form. I’m not quite sure I would have believed it to be true if someone had told me beforehand that it would happen. So what about the ones that are yet to manifest? They will form part of the plan/vision for 2013.
The truth is I’ve never been a fan of New Year resolutions or goal setting. That is not to say I don’t believe in setting goals or planning, it’s just that I think it’s all too easy to let the first few weeks of January pass you by without setting any solid goals and then give up completely until next year. Reflection and planning can be done at any time, so why not start now?
There are a few things to remember when it comes to successfully setting goals so I thought I’d point out some things that help me. Most people are familiar with the SMART acronym when it comes to goal setting and I find using this template a great way to keep me on track.
S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Attainable
R – Realistic
T – Timely
Looking at my goals and applying the above guidelines ensures I’m being thorough and strategic in my goal setting. Some other things I find help with goals –
- Make it visual – I like vision boards with cut out images of things/places/experiences that I desire. You can also insert your own photograph here for a stronger visual impact.
- Look at it daily – a friend of mine gave me a small card to write my goals on and I have it by my bedside. I look at it before bed and when I wake in the morning.
- Visualise – many many innovators and entrepreneurs have utilized creative visualization successfully for years. Imagining the event you desire can help to manifest it.
- Share your dream – whether it’s a weight loss goal or a dream holiday, it helps to have people on your “dream team”. They can help to keep you motivated and support you in making the right choices to reach you closer to achieving.
- Have fun and dream big. Bring on 2013!!
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