Before I begin to write about how to set goals, I wanted to put in my two cents. Goals are necessary (if you’re anything like me, a type A (recovering) overachiever). But, they are not EVERYTHING. I learned this the hard way. Growing up, I also thought that fulfillment was found in reaching a certain goal, that it should be hard effin work until I made it to my goal. But I slowly realized that when I did reach my so-called “destination”, I was the same person with the bottomless hunger for more, it was only satisfying for a fleeting moment. So while it’s obviously beneficial to have clear goals sets, know that goals are just there as an affirmation of your hard work, a physical byproduct. A pat on the back for your devotion to something. But don’t be so engulfed in the shiny object in the distance that you miss the whole point. It’s who you become during the process that is beautiful, it’s the joyful feelings, it’s the small wins along the way. So chase your goals but be sure to cherish the path as well.
Now to the good stuff! You ready?
There are a lot of ways and systems out there that shows you how to set goals. If you are starting out, it can be super overwhelming. While I am no expert in goal setting and what not, I do feel as though I was blessed with a brain that loves organization, structure and clarity. So today, I’m sharing with you practical and tangible goal setting methods that I personally use. I recommend you copy and paste the steps on a Google doc and write it out from there 🙂
Few things you need:
A planner! I use the Start Planner, but any calendar/planner will do!
Pencil
STICKERS! (optional of course)
STEPS TO CREATING GOALS:
First off, there are many areas where you can focus your energy on. But you’re not an octopus and you can’t be everything to everyone. So get clear on what area is important to you and where you want to grow most.
*List 3-4 areas that you want to improve or focus on (ie. I want to improve my finances, relationships and health)
2. Know your WHY. This is so important because when you hit roadblocks, your WHY is what keeps you going. Maybe your why is a person, maybe it’s because you want to prove to yourself that you are CAPABLE. Whatever it is, make it meaningful.
3. Now, set your goals. You could have 3 year goals, 1 year goals, 6 month goals, 3 month goals, 1 month goals, weekly goals and daily goals. For best results, I like to write out for all those different time periods.
What are your 3 year goals that are specific to your focus areas? List them out. (I would stick to 3-5, don’t overwhelm yourself, you can always add more)
(ie. In 3 years, I will be able working from home and be a total boss babe)
What are your 1 year goals? List them out but be sure to connect them to the last goal that you had from the 3 year goals.
(ie. In 1 year, I have worked with 5 clients and created a consistent blog)
(note: use present tense, this helps your brain feel like you’ve already accomplished it. Manifest the heck outta your goals!)
So on and so forth…
Do you get the point? You do this until you reach the daily goals. For daily goals, make it something that you want to turn into a habit, something that you can do everyday. (ie. I read 10 pages from my business book everyday)
A helpful tip is to review your goals everyday. single. day. Set a timer to remind yourself!
That’s it! Another helpful tip that you can do is by using the rule of 3’s. For example, at the beginning of a new month write out your big 3 to do’s for the month. At the beginning of each week, write out your 3 must to do’s. At the end of each night, write out 3 big to do’s that you must do for the next day. Then STICK TO THEM. Unless your dog needs to go to the ER or your best friend bought you tickets to Fiji last minute, don’t let outside distractions pull you away from the goals that you set.
But most of all, have fun. Life’s not that serious, you’re hear to enjoy it and show up.
Let me know some goals that you’re aiming for!
Cheers!
Bella
