Christmas is over, and we are entering the new year already. However, do you have goals in your life for this year? In your work, your relationships, your personal growth, your spirituality, etc.? Or do you go with the flow as if there is no difference between the year that has just passed and today.

WHY SETTING A GOAL IS IMPORTANT

Having a goal will help you to plan your life better, have a purpose in life, and monitor the progress of what you want to achieve. Without a goal, you may waste your time and opportunity, and life becomes unproductive and aimless. Therefore, setting a goal in life is important because it will impact your future.

HOW TO SET THE RIGHT GOAL

1. You need to “dream” about your future.

What do you want to achieve with your work at the end of this year? What do you want to improve in your relationship with your partner, your children, friends this year? What are the things that you want to work on your own as a person? e.g. increase self-care,  to better your behaviour (e.g. being patient on the road), to stop unhelpful behaviour, become a more positive person, or to improve your spiritual journey, etc.

2. Write it down.

Often people say to me “I have it all in my head already” and refuse to write it down. Well, there is a difference between having it in your head and writing it down. You will become more objective if you write it down, and by doing so, it will enable you to reflect on it and to make some adjustments to it.

3. Is it realistic enough?

Once you have written it down, ask yourself whether they are realistic enough or manageable for you to achieve it. Do not have a goal that you know you won’t be able to achieve, as it will create more discouragement than progress.

4. Stop being a perfectionist.

For example, do not spend too much time trying to make your goal perfect, because along the way, things might change and you need to prepare to adjust it according to your situation at that time.

5. Put your plans into your diary.

Break it down into few smaller steps and put it in your timetable, e.g. in every quarter you want to achieve a certain part of your goals.

6. Take action immediately.

Part of the failure in achieving goals is because often people do not take action immediately. When you don’t take action immediately,  you will lose the momentum, and then it becomes harder for you to follow through your goals.

7. Review

Check and revise your plans regularly to achieve your goals. There are times that you need to tweak your plans a little bit to achieve your goals.

8. Have an accountable person.

Many fear to share their goal with others because they might not be able to achieve it and would feel embarrassed by failing to do so. However, sharing your goals with someone you respect and trust will help you to execute your goals and can encourage you to stay focused on your goals.

TO END WELL, YOU NEED TO START WELL!