In my last post, I wrote about my goals from 2013 and what I accomplished. My favorite part of the list was finding all of the victories (big and small) I’ve had this year that I’ve forgotten about. That’s the number 1 reason that I’m setting 2014 Goals. Want to feel like you won 2014 next December? Thinking you need to make some 2014 plans? Here’s some tips about setting some goals here’s some general guidelines that I’ve found helpful:
1. WRITE ALL YOUR GOALS DOWN.
Every book/blog post/article I’ve read about goal setting says this first. If you write down your goals you’re much more likely to follow through. I think this is mostly because you can remember them easier. They’re not just ideas floating around in your head anymore, now they’re solid thought out sentences sitting on a piece of paper. Much more real. So, write down your goals. Whether it’s on a napkin in the coffee shop you’re sitting in or a notebook next to your grocery list. When you think of a goal, jot it down so you can remember them later!
2. POST IT SOMEWHERE YOU CAN SEE THEM.
When you’ve got your list (or your collective napkins- hopefully you didn’t have to use any to clean up a coffee spill), put it somewhere you can see it often. Like your desk, the fridge or even on your dresser. I’d also recommend transferring the list to a pretty piece of paper, but that’s just because I love pretty things. The point is, keep it fresh in your mind. Remember the goals you’re working towards, because that’s the best way to stay excited about it and achieve them.
3. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY.
Don’t worry about have 101 of them like I was. I ended up being happy with the 50 or so I did, but even that was probably a lot for some people. Make sure they’re do-able so you won’t get discouraged.
4. BE SPECIFIC.
Don’t just say “I want to read more books.” Put a number on it, like: Read 50 books by the end of the year. Or, go 2 weeks without eating sweets. Or even, sign up for 3 new classes this year. This gives you a number to reach so you know when you’ve achieved your goal. You have something to track, a way to know you’ve succeeded. And we all like success.
5. TELL SOMEONE.
When you’ve got your list, share it with someone! You don’t have to tell the world, but telling even 1 or 2 people will hold you accountable to those goals and the idea of having someone ask you how you’re doing with them will give you a push to work harder towards them.
6. CHALLENGE YOURSELF.
While I did mention that you should only make goals that are do-able, also make sure you have some goals that will challenge you. Yes, still make sure they’re do-able, but push the limits, go just a bit farther than where you think you can go. And see where that takes you.
7. MAKE IT FUN.
If you notice, I had quite a few fun, simple goals on my list. They were just silly little things I wanted to do, but having them on my list of goals made the whole list brighter and more fun to complete. If I had put all challenging items on it, I probably would never have wanted to get started with it because it was all too intimidating. Try a balance of fun and challenging and then see how much you can accomplish. (And, yes, by the way, I do consider making alcoholic suckers a viable goal. Don’t Judge)
So, take a few moments and think about what you’d like to achieve in 2014? What are you passionate about? What have you always wanted to do? How do you want 2014 to look?
To help you after you’ve made your goals, a few months ago, I created a Printable Making Goals Worksheet to help with new projects.
At the top there’s a place to name and date your project/goal and then you can fill in the deadline at the bottom. I really love them because they’ve got a spot in the middle to jot things down, doodle, take a few notes or whatever and then, at the bottom you can list all the steps it will take to get done! I think this gives you a chance to really think your goal out and figure out the steps that you take to achieve the best end result (which is a must!). Plus, they’re really pretty and that’s always a plus in my book.
I like to print the Black and White version on Brown Kraft paper because it I always have a ton of it on hand and I don’t have to use up any of my color ink (and also possibly because it makes me feel crafty).
Other Fun Uses for the Making Goals Worksheet Printable:
– Can be used for home goals, business goals and more!.
– Bind multiple copies together for to create a goal booklet.
– Use the various color options for different goal categories.
– Add to your Home or Business Planning Binder.
As a way to celebrate the new year, I’m giving for $1 off this printable in my Etsy Shop! From now until January 8th get this printable for only $4! That’s a steal for all the plans you’ll be making.
And be sure to let me know what you’re up to! I’d love to hear all the fun things going in your life.
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