Year-End Goal Setting: Reflecting, Planning, Achieving

Dear Tony “What is the best year-end goal setting process you have used?” 

-Goal Setting in Greensboro

Dear Goal Setting in Greensboro,

I am a huge believer in taking stock of your life on a periodic basis, as well as looking forward to planning for success and fulfillment. December is a great time of year to be reflective and I’ve done this every year for the last 15 years.  

The process goes like this:

1. Review the events of the past year and look for things to be grateful for.  This could be people in your life, events that occurred, or any significant life activity that shaped who you are.  Take a moment and be grateful for the good things in your life.  If you are so inclined, reach out and tell people what a difference you’ve made in their life!  I used to send out very formal looking certificates to people to let them know I appreciated their support. 
2. As for the year ahead, make a list of both personal and professional goals for the upcoming year.  I usually have 6 for each.  Make them challenging.  Determine some amount of stretch.  Be bold. 
3. Get a binder to keep track of your goals, and to serve as a way to collect your activities for the upcoming year.  Consider it kind of a scrapbook of sorts to hold mementos of your life. 
4. Make a tab for each goal, and articulate as best you can what success looks like for each goal.  Sometimes you just have to commit to going in a direction, and then fill in the facts later as you get more clear about what you want your goal to be.  That is OK, as long as you stick with it and keep iterating on making it into a goal. 
5. As the year goes by, make notes on progress, ways to improve, etc.  Store artifacts in your book.  Run a 5K with your child?  Keep your race number and have your child sign it and record your time.  Child graduate high school?  Store the commencement folder.  
6. Celebrate the wins!!!!!!!  Reflect on the set-backs.  But always move forward. Make adjustments along the way.  As goals get achieved, set your sights even higher. 
7. When you get to next December, repeat the process. 

By using this system, you will achieve more than you ever thought possible.  By recognizing those who have helped you along the way, your fulfillment will skyrocket.

-Tony

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