The New Year is coming. Soon we will count down and begin another lap though the calendar. What will next year look like for you? What do you want to accomplish? What do you want to do? Who do you want to become?
Last year I decided I was going to do some things very much on purpose. I wanted to grow in certain areas of my life and I wanted to accomplish certain milestones.
This led me to set some goals. I had a picture in my mind and I wrote it down.
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I accomplished almost all of my goals this year. I can’t say I was perfect, but I hit almost every goal I set.
I know one thing is for sure: If I hadn’t set any goals, I wouldn’t have hit any.
Because I set goals for this year, I was able to finish my degree at university (while working full time, being married and having a toddler), I read more books than any other year in my life, my wife and I paid off our car (no more debt) and I have become more efficient with my sleep and use of my awake hours!
What will next year look like for you? Set some goals and make it happen!
Here are 7 areas that I use to set yearly goals:
1. Career
Whatever you do for a living, you can probably do it better or be more productive. In what one or two areas do you want to develop in this year? Look for a course in that area, a conference or find a few books.
2. Financial
Do you want to take a vacation? Get out of debt or set up an emergency fund? Maybe it’s time to set up a budget!
3. Spiritual
Do you want to be more like Jesus? What can you do to grow towards that? Try setting a goal for a daily devotional time or to read a few books on a particular subject.
4. Physical
January is the perfect time to set some of these goals, the Christmas season is best spent with friends and family and most of this time is spent eating. Maybe it’s time to shape up! Do you want to lose some weight or perhaps gain some? Maybe you want to lift more weights or run a longer distance? Even if your first goal is to find your running shoes, you are moving in the right direction!
5. Intellectual
Your mind is always capable of learning and growing. Want to learn, read. Is there a topic you are eager to learn more about? Maybe find a book or two in that area to read.
6. Family
If you have a spouse and children, time is the greatest gift you can give them. Set a goal that gives life and health to your family life. Perhaps plan a family night each week.
7. Social
It’s fun to make new friends! Do you want to meet new people or join a club? Do it.
You might not be where you would like to be, or feel you should be at this stage in life. You don’t have to feel this way anymore.
Set some goals, make a plan and start moving forward. Every step you make towards the person you want to become is a leap forward compared to standing still.
Most people don’t set goals and those that do, most don’t write it down. That is why most people don’t achieve their goals.
Take an hour or so this week and plan for next year. If you need help, talk to someone you look up to or a mentor.
