The new year is around the corner…like literally in less than 5 days. And yes I am just now starting my goal planning for the year. A little late, but better late than never I suppose. 
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How to Set Goals for the New Year
Since the new year is around the corner, I wanted to talk goal setting. And I am not talking about the new year resolution to eat healthier that lasts as long as it takes you to get to the ice cream aisle of your grocery store. I am talking hard, concrete goals to set you, your family and your business up for success in 2019. The goals that have a purpose and a plan with actionable steps.
Make a list of 2-3 goals for the year
When setting goals you need to have a plan with steps for achieving the goal. Come up with a reasonable amount of goals for the year. I typically make two large goals and 2-3 additional goals that can be accomplished in a shorter time frame. You can set these goals for all areas of your life – family, personal and professional. Setting too many goals can be overwhelming so keeping the list small is best.
When looking at your goals make sure you are setting SMART goals. If you aren’t familiar with the term SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely. SMART goals allow you to create actionable steps
Break them into smaller goals
Alright so we have decided on 2-3 big goals for the year, but they can seem overwhelming. The best way to tackle each of your goals is to break them down into bite-sized chunks.
Maybe you are breaking each goal into monthly or quarterly tasks. Whatever you choose, by breaking into chunks you have the ability to manage the smaller tasks.
Specify tasks for the smaller goals
So now that we have our manageable goals, it is time to determine the specified tasks necessary to accomplish each goal.
You are creating a roadmap for how you will complete each goal in the time allotted. For example, I am reaching my goal of 1,000 subscribers I will go back to old posts and increase the value provided with content upgrades.
Revisit your why
Remember your why in everything you do. Why are you setting these goals and how does this goal support your overall why. If you aren’t clear on your why SMART goals are harder to develop. And going back to your why helps you when you get discouraged to remember the purpose of your goals.
Track progress and celebrate wins
I would suggest each month you go back and check your progress to make sure you are on the right path. Tracking progress allows you to see what is working and what is not, so you can remove the bad and focus on the good.
Always celebrate your accomplishments. Do you remember how good it felt when something you were working towards was successful? Same rings true here. When you have reached a benchmark or completed a smaller goal celebrate! It will give you the motivation needed to move forward.
Don’t compare yourself to others
Everyone is in different stages in their lives and it can be hard not to compare ourselves to one another but we can’t get stuck in that mindset. Celebrate those next to you on their wins and keep plugging away at your own goals.
Get ready to slay the year!
If you haven’t yet, start writing down those goals and building your roadmap. Don’t wait the time is now! And if you need a little boost, check out my Free Goal Setting Worksheet to get you started.
i love the idea of breaking goals down. many people create these huge goals and then become stressed or lost in them. this definitely makes them more achievable and less of a stressor.
I have my goals in my planner, which makes such a difference! I’m able to see them every day.
This is a great breakdown of setting goals. I think it’s especially important to revisit your goals and your “why” as you suggested because it can help keep you on track and get motivated when you’re in a funk.
Definitely don’t compare yourself to others. You are doing the best you can and so are they. Be true to you!!
Thanks for breaking it down! I’m horrible at setting goals! I always set way too many and get overwhelmed! I’m going to start with 2 or 3 and then move on from there 🙂
This is such great advice, and it’s almost exactly how I set up my goals! The most important part is breaking down your goals into smaller pieces, so you can be checking things off and tracking your progress along the way. 👍🏼
These are all fabulous tips and I love that part about rewarding yourself with the wins. I usually go for a dark chocolate bar or ice-cream… lol!