Day 76: Questions To Ask When Setting Goals
For as long as I can remember, I have been setting goals. I can go back in my documents and read through goals I set for each year going back as early as 2012 (when I got my first laptop). Setting goals is an important part of getting ready for a new year and there is no time like the present to begin preparing.
Even if you do not consider setting goals to be a priority, I would highly suggest thinking about putting a few goals in place for the coming year. They give us a direction in which to walk in and help us to evaluate the things we consider to be a priority.
This year was by far the worst year for me goal wise. In January I started college classes for the first time and was thrown into a entirely new realm. The goals which I had set before classes began were completely unrealistic with the new responsibilities I faced. However, in 2020 I know what to expect with college and am ready to dive head first into new goals with realistic expectations.
If you struggle with setting goals here are a few questions to ask yourself that will help to motivate you:
- What are your top values – and how can you better align your life with what you value the most?
- What are your current challenges – and what steps shall you take to overcome them?
- What new – and exciting – habits do you need to focus on to improve the overall quality of your life?
- What enhancements will grow your levels of energy and focus to improve your productivity and quality of life?
- What do you believe stands between you and complete happiness? What steps can you take to bridge the gap?
- What can you start doing – or stop doing – to strengthen your emotional balance?
- What shall you start doing – or stop doing – to help deepen your relationships with your friends and loved ones?
- What changes shall you make to overcome your personal flaws and maximize your potential?
- What goals and activities motivate and excite you these days? What can you do to nurture these passions?
- What tangible career or business opportunities exist? What steps shall you take to make a lot of progress?
These are just a few questions that will help you start down the path of creating goals that will lead you into the coming year. Categories you can think about when making goals could be Personal (finishing college), Health (running twice a week), Professional (doing one thing a week for your business), and Relationships (monthly get together with friends). Breaking down your goals into specific areas will help you narrow your focus from your entire life to a pin point area.
Another thing to think about is making your goals SMART. You want to make sure they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based. If you incorporate each area of SMART into each goal, you have a much better chance of accomplishing them. When you break down your goals you provided yourself with a ramp towards success.
2020 is a chance for big change, it marks the beginning of a new year and a new decade. Be sure to make the most of this incredible opportunity. What are your goals for 2020?
Until Next Time,
Lillian Merritt
