“Finally!” – most of us think as we move forward to a new year. We plan, we dream, we wish, we hope.
Here are 7 simple steps to help you set achievable goals for the new 2024:
STEP # 1
Sit comfortably and think about all you want your life to be. You may close your eyes for a couple of minutes and just visualize. Where are you? Whom are you with? What are you doing? What are you seeing and hearing? How do you feel? Let all images, feelings, and thoughts about it come in, and just observe them. When you feel ready, open your eyes, take a pen and paper, and write down what you want to achieve in 2024.
STEP # 2
For everything you want to achieve in 2024 – make it specific by answering the following questions: “What specifically do I want to achieve?”. Focus on what you want, rather than what you do not want. When you are ready look at what you have written for each goal and summarize it in one positive sentence, so it will be easy to remember.
STEP # 3
What you cannot measure – you cannot manage. Make your goals measurable. Answer the question “How will I measure my success?” i.e. – achieving 80% of the goal; 9 out of 10 tries; 4 hours a week; feeling of satisfaction and relaxation – what will it be for you? Do it for each of your goals.
STEP # 4
Explore the “pains” of not achieving your goals and the “gains” of achieving them. “What makes it urgent/important/necessary now to achieve your goal?” – answer this question for each goal and continue with “What will happen if I do not take action towards achieving my goal?”. When you are ready, explore the pleasure of achieving what you want: “What will change?”, “What will I see, hear, and feel?”, “What will happen?”, “What will be different?” – do it for each of your goals.
STEP # 5
A goal is said to be a dream with a deadline. When exactly do you want to have achieved each goal? In 3 months, on your birthday, at the end of the year? Make sure that the chosen timeframe is realistic and achievable. Put exact dates for each goal.
STEP # 6
Create an action plan for each of your goals. Make a list of all the steps you need to take to achieve your goal. Make an action plan for each goal. It means to create a list with a sequence of actions that are needed to achieve it. When you are ready, work backward from the deadlines you have set and estimate when exactly you need to make the first step for each goal. Write down the date in your diary now.
STEP # 7
Last but not least, think of a person who can support you and hold you accountable. Often we are more committed to the promises we give to other people than to ourselves. It helps to have someone to work on what sabotages you, to remind you of the “pains” and the “gains” and to lend you a helping hand when necessary. You may choose to have different people for each goal or a group of goals.
DO NOT FORGET TO CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS.
Celebrate and reward yourself for each step that you have achieved.
