Each year, I have the joy of providing you a new way to think about goal setting for the upcoming year. Whatever you do, please do not make any new year resolutions! Simply have a vision, know your core values, align your goals to your core values, and determine the action steps.Â
For 2012, instead of setting tons of goals and having a complex plan, how about coming up with ONE challenging goal that becomes your theme, and then add just a few others that you need as your dashboard to keep yourself aligned to your big vision?Â
In the last three years I have had one personal goal as a theme and it took all my energy to just stay on task to that one thing!! It may look and sound easy, but if it is the right one it will stretch you all year long.
Like anything that is simple, it takes some work upfront to gain the clarity that is needed to determine your #1 theme.
5 Ideas for Finding Your Theme
1. Reflect. Take some time to reflect on 2011 and where your current course of life is taking you today. Â What worked really well for you last year and what didn’t? Ask yourself hard questions and write down your answers.
2. Â Evaluate Values. List your top five values and grade yourself on how you are living and honoring them in all areas of life: Â Professional, family, health, financial, key relationships, spiritual, physical, emotional, community, etc. On a scale of 1-10, how are you honoring each value in each area? Then list what it will take to honor each value at a level 10. If you don’t know your values, take Life 301 in January! No excuses!
3.  Start, Stop, Continue. In 2012, what are 3-5 things you want to START doing, 3-5 things you want to STOP doing, and 3-5 things you want to be intentional to CONTINUE doing?.  Bonus: Ask your spouse or partner what they think you should start/stop/continue.
4.  Align to Your Purpose.  Take a moment and see how you are lining up to your defined personal vision and purpose for your life. Are you on track and aligned?  What needs to be done in 2012 to get your actions aligned and on track to the big vision you have for your life?  What habits have crept in? Where are you compromising your integrity? How is your energy being drained? Who charges your battery?
5.  Write It Down. You’ve heard the statistics. If its not clear, specific, and written out — it rarely happens. Therefore, how can you simplify your goals into 3-5 for the year, with the no. 1 goal being clear and at the forefront of your mind?  Once you have the top no. 1 goal and a few more, it’s time to put action steps in place. The first action step is usually what you must say “no” to in order to say “yes” to your new goals. Next comes setting up the S.M.A.R.T. goals with action steps and dates for desired completion.Â
Feel Stuck?
My favorite exercise for goal setting when all else fails is to write your holiday letter a year in advance. Tell the story of what you did in 2012 as if it was in the past. It is remarkable about what comes out of the creative exercise.
It Takes Patience
I have learned the importance of this reflection time, and have set aside time to get away for a few days to just think, reflect and plan. Right now, as I write this, I am on my personal retreat. Today I journaled 11 pages and then read a novel, worked out, and wrote my newsletter. Tomorrow I am going through a bunch of exercises like the ones I suggested above. I don’t have my own goal yet, but it will come.
There is no magic to this process. You will know the answer when it comes. I remember in 2010 it was TRUST MORE. That seemed like a dumb goal even though I really knew I needed that in my life. Oh my goodness, it was a challenge the entire year, AND it was life-changing for me!
3 x 5 Cards Are Key
I like to write my top goals down on a 3 x 5 card and place copies in strategic places. On one side I put my personal and other side professional. In big print. Simple! That way I see them and don’t let them get away from me. I just found something I wrote for 2011 and I had to laugh at myself. Only the things I wrote down on my 3 x 5 got done. Â Honestly, I forgot about the rest. <grin>
Do You Have Clarity?
If you do not have a copy of Clarity: Focusing on What Matters now would be a good time to pick it up and find a subject that will challenge your thinking. Â You have what it takes so go do it and of course I would love to hear your theme!
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
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[...] now? Well, I am inviting a few friends to join me in my “Grateful for 2,012 Things” in 2012. Hey, it’s no small task to write down 2,012 things you are thankful for and stay [...]