Are you feeling the New Year excitement losing its energy? Here are a couple of adjustments you can make to keep the January momentum throughout the year.
The Tires of Progression
Thus far we have established that we are the vehicle, the engine is our purpose, and an overhaul (clarifying and changing one’s purpose) may be necessary if we are feeling stuck and frustrated in our current circumstance. Now we need to figure out what tires to put on the vehicle as we start our journey towards balance, fulfillment, and happiness.
What will take us from where we are today to where we want to be? Goals! Experience has taught me that without clearly defined goals we will not take the initiative to change, evolve,and progress. Our engines will be revving but will not have the traction necessary to move us. Tires (goals) carry a vehicle (us) from point A (present) to point B (successful future). The speed and energy with which we execute the goals comes from the power of our purpose. Without a clear and meaningful purpose our vehicle will lose the energy required to keep those tires moving. Both the engine and the tires are essential for meaningful progress.
Wheel of Life
One of the most effective ways to identify what goals you should set is by completing the Wheel of Life exercise. This quick and simple exercise will help identify your satisfaction level as it relates to eight different areas of your life. Once complete, you will be aware and ready to set goals that are most relevant to your well being.
SMART Goals
So how do we equip ourselves with the best tires for our vehicles? Let’s start with SMART.
Most of us have heard of the SMART acronym guide to setting goals. To refresh our memories here is a quick SMART review:
Specific – What is the goal? How often will it take place? Where will it take place?
Measurable – Can the goal be measured? We need to know if we have achieved it or not. This will give us specific feedback and hold us accountable.
Attainable – Is the activity and time frame realistic for the goal we have established?
Relevant – Is this goal consistent with our purpose and mission statement? Does it bring us closer to where we want to be?
Timely – Specify the time in which the goal will be achieved. Is it a regularly occurring goal that is to be accomplished weekly? Is it a one and done activity that has a clear beginning and end? Ensure you specify a time frame in which it will be completed.
Tracking Required
I have been at this goal setting endeavor for 10+ years now. Through experience I have developed and iterated a Goal Setting Tracker that organizes goals into eight different life areas (consistent with the Wheel of Life). The spreadsheet tracks goals on a weekly, quarterly, and annual basis. All the user has to do is input results from the week and the summations for the quarter. Weekly, quarterly and annual progress are then automatically populated. Check out the Goal Setting Video to see how it works.
I will close with one of my all-time favorite quotes: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb. Do now what you wish you did five, ten, or fifteen years ago.
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