As the end of 2020 grows nearer, now is a great time to set some short-term and long-term goals for your personal and professional life. Remember, successful goal setting is about so much more than just writing down the things we want; there has to be a purpose and a plan behind them. This chart is part of my goal-setting process. I've divided my life into these 11 categories (in no particular order): friends, finances, wellness, family, professional, travel, faith, mentality, romance, growth and philanthropy. I then put some goals in each category, like spending time with loved ones and exercising, but I didn't stop there. I took it even further because a goal without a plan is just a dream! I think about why each goal is important to me as well as what I can do to make each one a reality. For example, exercising regularly is a big goal for me, so I plan for it. I try to get plenty of rest at night so I'll have the energy to exercise the next day. I make sure my workout gear is organized and accessible, etc. You get the idea.
When it comes to long-term goal setting, I like to write statements to help me visualize where I want to be at a certain point in time. Right now, I'm working on my statements for 2021, 2026 and 2031. This helps me look at the big picture and remember why I'm working so hard on my daily goals. I'm managing my finances very carefully today to make sure that Trace has money for college in 2031. See? It all works together; the big picture statement inspires the daily action that's necessary to reach our goals. Give this goal-setting method a try and let me know how it goes.
Have your own goal-setting tips to share? Comment below.