For those that know me very well have come to learn that I am a big planner.
Every year I spend a week or so to find the perfect planner for my life that has multiple options for Yearly, Monthly, Weekly and Daily planning and goal setting. I take my planner everywhere with me and that’s why I am very picky when looking for a planner because it needs to fit my life.
At the beginning of the year I make a list of goals I want to accomplish for the year instead of resolutions and I review my goals from the previous year. I break these goals into mini goals on a monthly, weekly and daily basis. I find this helps me stay on task and accomplish my goals for the year.
I have three different categories for goals (can you tell I am sometimes like Monica Geller); Personal, Financial and Career. Sometimes my goals will overlap but a lot of the time they don’t and that is why goal setting is so important for me. If you want some tips on what I find has helped me to set goals and achieve them, keep reading!
Things you will need:
1.Get a planner! It doesn’t have to be super fancy, anything that works for you. I change my planner brand every year, this year I am using the Happy Planner from Michaels (picture above).
2. Colour pens and highlighters. I find this helps me categorize my goals and helps me keep on track for the bigger picture. For example, Orange is everything work related, Pink is everything personal and Green is everything money related.
3. Sticky notes. I use a lot of these in the office and at home and they work great for to-do lists
4. Optional –stickers and washi tape if you want to make this fun
How to set a goal:
1. Set goals that motivate you
2. Set SMART goals
a. Specific
b. Measurable
c. Attainable
d. Relevant
e. Time bound
3. Set goals in writing
4. Make an action plan or a to-do list
5. Stick with it!
I find if you are able to view your goals daily or put them in a place where you can see them constantly, you are more likely to stick to it. Don’t forget to celebrate a little when you accomplish one! Good luck!
