Setting goals can be the most overwhelming process, especially if you have a really big goal you’re wanting to reach — or you’re stuck trying to figure out your goals.
If goal setting stresses you out, don’t worry, I’m going to help you dig deep and figure out which goals you should be focusing on and come up with a strategic plan on how to achieve them. By setting actionable, intentional goals, you’ll be able to make time for what matters most and be just that much closer to living a life you love.
Here’s my 4-Step Goal-Setting Process
Step 1: Create A Vision
Before you can even begin to set individual goals, you need to have a general sense of where you want to go in life. Just like you can’t drive across the country without a map, you can’t set a goal for something if you don’t know what it is.
Sit down and picture what you want to accomplish in a certain time period — this is called visualization. Start by visualizing your goals for the year, then move on to your long-term goals. Write down your vision for the key areas of your life — family, health, finances, career, personal development.
What do you see happening this year? What do you want to achieve? Why do you want to achieve it?
If you can visualize your ideal life, the kind of life you want to live, you’re a step closer to getting there because you already know what it looks like.
Step 2: Evaluate Your Life
You’ve figured out what you want, now you need to evaluate where you are in life right now. Be completely and utterly honest with yourself.
What areas can you improve? Where do you feel dissatisfied?
By evaluating your life and taking an assessment of where you are right now, you’ll be able to make the necessary changes that’ll move you closer to your goal and a life you love.
Step 3: Create Your Goals
Now, you’re all dialed into where you are and what you want, here comes the fun part — let’s set some goals!
My favorite goal-setting strategy is the S.M.A.R.T system. A SMART goal is:
Specific – detailed, not vague
Measurable – detailed so you can track your progress
Relevant – related to your values and any area of your life that needs improvement
Time-Bound – has a concrete, non-negotiable deadline so that you’re motivated to reach it
Your goals should be detailed, purposeful, achievable, realistic, and have a clear deadline.
Let’s look over the list of visions you created in Step 1, choose a few areas to focus on and pick your top 3 goals. Now, that we have your top goals, we’re going to break them down into smaller action steps. We’re going to create 3-5 action steps that you can start now to work towards your bigger goals.
We’re going to call these mini-goals. These mini-goals will make your big overarching goals seem less daunting and more achievable.
I show you my exact process for setting goals in my Goal Planner Pack. Not only will you be able to identify your blocks, but you’ll be able to identify the areas you need to improve on without all the overwhelm.
Step 4: Set Non-Negotiable Deadlines
You’ve chosen your goals, you’ve broken them down into mini-goals, now we need to get them written down in your planner with strict deadlines. Be realistic, but don’t be too generous with your time.
I use my Erin Condren LifePlanner to help me hone in on what I need to get done weely. Then, I transfer to my Google Calendar. This way I know I have all my bases covered and know exactly what I’m working towards at all times.
The progress you make by setting and achieving your goals will move you closer to the life you want to live. There is no better time to start than now.
This is your moment. Stay motivated even if you’re not seeing immediate results. This is your time. This is your moment.
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