As this New Year unfolds, there’s a buzz of fresh starts and goal setting in the air!
The new year is a time we’re full of hope for a better future, imagining the possibilities, and setting bold intentions.
But how do we ensure our goals don’t fade into distant memories by spring?
How do we design a life that truly supports our aspirations and ensures we thrive every step of the way?
We break our big goals down into achievable steps and we keep ourselves on track with regular check-ins, that’s how!
Whether you’re looking to pivot your career, prioritise your health, or simply bring more joy into your daily routine (hopefully all three!) this little process of mine will guide you toward success in it all!
Step 1: Create a Vision for the Future
Start by dreaming big. Ask yourself:
- Where do I want to be in 10 years?
- What do I want my life to look like in 5 years?
- What milestones can I reach in 3 years?
- What’s achievable within the next year?
Write these goals down, and make them as specific as possible.
Think beyond work goals and incorporate your personal life, relationships, health, finances, and impact on the world.
A balanced vision ensures you’re growing in all areas – not just one – and ensures that the success you achieve is sustainable through your goal setting process.
Step 2: Break It Down into Bite-Sized Goals
Next, focus on the first 90 days of this year. Divide your goals into manageable chunks for the next 30, 60, and 90 days.
What can you realistically achieve in each timeframe? This clarity helps you stay focused and avoids overwhelm.
Step 3: Anticipate Roadblocks
Before diving in, it’s extremely important to consider what might get in your way. Spend a little time reflecting on:
- Unsupportive routines or environments
- Skills or resources you’re missing
- Limiting beliefs or mindset challenges
Here are some questions from a recent goal setting workbook I created for The Glow & Grow Tribe to help you:
- IS MY CURRENT ROUTINE SUPPORTING ME & MY GOALS? IF NOT, WHAT CHANGES WILL I MAKE?
- WHAT HAS DISTRACTED OR TRIGGERED ME IN THE PAST?
- WHAT BELIEFS DO I HAVE ABOUT MYSELF AND MY CAPABILITIES IN RELATION TO MY GOALS?
- WHAT OBSTACLES ARE CURRENTLY IN THE WAY OF MY GOALS?
- WHAT SKILLSET OR KNOWLEDGE IS MISSING FROM OBTAINING MY GOALS?
- WHAT ONE SKILL WILL MAKE THE MAJORITY OF MY GOALS EASIER TO REACH?
- WHOSE COOPERATION DO I NEED TO REACH MY GOALS? WHO DO I NEED TO ON-BOARD?
- WHO WILL THREATEN MY GOALS? WHO DO I NEED TO OFF-BOARD?
By identifying obstacles upfront, you can create strategies to overcome them.
Whether it’s reworking your daily schedule, building new habits, or seeking support, addressing these barriers sets you up for success.
Step 4: Schedule Your Goals
Now it’s time to put your plan into action! It’s all just ideas until you take action so this part is key!
Break down your 30-day goals into specific tasks and estimate how long each will take. Then, grab your diary and schedule these tasks. Treat these appointments with yourself as sacred – just like you would with a client or loved one.
Now copy and paste the next part into the description of an event in your calendar for 30 days time.
Reflecting and Recalibrating After 30 Days
Fast forward 30 days. You’ve adhered to the goal setting process – you’ve been working on your goals, making progress, and I’m sure learning a lot along the way.
Now it’s time to pause, reflect, and recalibrate for the next phase of your journey.
Celebrate Your Wins
Firstly, let’s start with a celebration!
I’m sure there’s some wins for you in there and probably a lot of lessons too – and these are wins as well!
Reflect on what’s gone well over the past month.
Did you hit a major milestone? Build a consistent habit? Overcome a personal challenge?
Big or small, every win is worth acknowledging and celebrating progress keeps you motivated and reminds you that you’re capable of achieving great things – which you damn well are, and I guarantee you are more capable than you give yourself credit for!
Ask yourself:
- What am I proud of?
- What felt easier than I expected?
- What did I learn about myself?
- How can I use this lesson(s) moving forward?
- Which routines or habits have supported me the most?
- What felt like a struggle or held me back?
It’s important to analyse what worked and what didn’t so take an honest look at your strategies. Sometimes, what works for others might not work for you.
The key is to learn, adjust, and find YOUR way of doing things which plays to your unique strengths, abilities and preferred way of life.
Refine Your Goals
Now it’s time to Revisit your 90-day plan and perhaps refine your goals.
- Are your original goals still relevant?
- Have any new priorities emerged?
Adjust your plan as needed to ensure it reflects where you are now and where you want to go next.
Address Barriers and Challenges
If you’ve encountered roadblocks, don’t see them as failures, instead see them as opportunities to grow and reflect on:
- What got in the way of my progress?
- How can I remove or work around these obstacles moving forward?
Whether it’s an unsupportive routine, a mindset block, or a lack of resources, there’s always a way to pivot and adapt.
Plan for the Next 30 Days
With a refined focus, create your updated plan for the next month. Revisit the first part of this article and break your goals into actionable steps and schedule them in your diary and set another reminder to review in 30 days time.
Remember to keep them realistic and balanced – you want to challenge yourself, but not burn yourself out!
The Power of Regular Check-Ins
Why does this process work? Because it keeps you focused, accountable, and flexible.
By revisiting your goals every 30 days, you can celebrate progress, make adjustments, and ensure you’re moving in the right direction.
Goals aren’t static – they’re dynamic.
Life changes, priorities shift, and obstacles arise.
Regular check-ins ensure you’re not just setting goals but achieving them.
Start Designing Your Dream Life Today
You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment to start. Take that first step now:
- Dream big and create your vision.
- Break it into manageable chunks.
- Anticipate obstacles and plan around them.
- Celebrate your wins and recalibrate as needed.
By following this goal setting process, you’ll not only set meaningful goals, but also create a lifestyle that fully supports them.
Ready to take action? Grab your journal, block out some time, and start designing a life you love through this goal setting process! And remember – progress, not perfection, is what truly matters.
Keep moving forward, one step at a time.
And if you’d like daily support with achieving your goals then check out The Glow & Grow Tribe which could be perfect for you!
