The Art of Setting Goals
It’s hard to believe a new year is here! With that, comes an opportunity for growth, change, and the chance to live in accordance with your values. It is a time to learn new things and also unlearn things that stand in the way or your growth process. One way to do this and be able to track progress is through setting goals. It isn’t just about writing down or verbalizing ambitions, it’s about being intentional, embracing the journey, treating yourself with kindness and respect along the way, and finding beautify in each step. Setting goals, learning, and unlearning is not about chasing success, but about weaving a tapestry of experiences that enrich your life.
Goal Setting
Before looking at how to set effective goals, let’s briefly discuss the concept of goal setting. You may find yourself rolling your eyes or feeling defeated by the thought of setting goals and the mere mention of the topic. I was like that at one time. I thought if I didn’t set goals, then I wouldn’t fail at them. However, that was flawed thinking and not helpful or effective. So, let’s frame goal setting differently than a list of must-do’s or should-have’s. Accomplishing goals does not make you any more worthy as a human being. Your true worth is not based on what you do. Rather, goals are a way to nurture your soul, your aspirations, and be intentional about aligning yourself to your values which creates a more fulfilling life experience.
Reflection is an important part of goal setting. Take a moment to reflect on the past year - not to dwell on what wasn’t achieved, but to celebrate the lessons learned, the hurdles overcome, and the growth experienced. Notice the things that you changed in your own life as well as the things you may want to unlearn moving forward. From there, look at what goals you want to set for the new year. As physical, psychological, relational, and spiritual beings, consider goals for each area of life to assist with creating balance.
SMART Goals
One strategy of goal setting is to set SMART goals. It is an acronym that creates a template for identifying what you want to accomplish and how you are going to do it. Here is what it stands for…
Specific: Have your goals be specific. What is it that you want to accomplish? Is it tangible? What are the steps you will take to get there? Be as specific as you can. If a goal is to take care of physical health, that is not specific enough for it to be effective. Rather, increased physical health is a broad, overarching goal, yet look at ways you can specifically target to improve your physical health. For example, eat 3 nutritious meals a day, experience appropriate movement, or schedule that doctor’s appointment you have been putting off.
Measurable: Can the goal be measured? If it is too broad, it will be difficult to know if you have achieved the goal. A sense of achievement or accomplishment is important as it build momentum and further improves motivation.
Achievable: Is this an attainable goal? Realistic? Are the resources needed to accomplish the goal available? What do you already have and what do you need to add in order to accomplish the goal?
Relevant: Does this specific goal align with the broader picture? If my broader goal is to write a book, then a possible specific and relevant goal would be to write a chapter a month. This is in line with the end goal, but specific enough and relevant enough to achieve the steps along the way leading to the desired outcome.
Time bound: What is the time frame you are wanting to accompish your goal in? 30 days? 90 days? 12 months? Different goals will have different time frames. Be clear and set yourself up for success. Make sure the time frame, considering all of life’s responsibilities, is realistic.
The Journey
The journey toward your goals is not always a straight line. There may be detours, moments of doubt, or unexpected turns along the way. Try to embrace these with kindness and resilience. They are part of the intricate tapestry of life. As you embark on the journey of a new year, setting SMART goals and being intentional about achieving them, there are a few things to incorporate for a more positive experience.
Celebrate every step along the journey of accomplishing your goals. You are doing a good job!
Be Flexible. Treat yourself with kindness on days when things don’t go as planned. It is not about being perfect, but about continuing to press forward and get back on track when you find yourself sidetracked.
Be Accountable.. Share your goals or intentions with others around you. Share progress and struggles along the way. This is helpful when motivation runs low.
As a new year begins, take time to set intentions or goals for yourself. May this year be one of learning new things and unlearning the obstacles that interfere with your forward growth and progress.
