As the old year winds down we start looking forward and setting fresh goals for the new one. However, before you can set new goals you need to know where you are starting.
Take a look back at where you were in January. What were your goals and where are you now? Look at details and be honest and kind to yourself.
I set goals for faith, family, health, career and hobbies. I will be looking at each one to see where I am. Your list will be unique to you.
Here is one example – from a health viewpoint we often look at weight. If you wanted to lose weight did you. Perhaps you wanted build strength or endurance. Perhaps you wanted to maintain your weight and build healthier eating habits.
Once you figure out where you are then you have a foundation to build on. Now you can begin to define goals for next year.
Why is it so important to identify where you are? For goals to be effective they need to be specific. If you don’t know where you are starting you can’t design a plan to get from where you are to where you want to be.
Throughout this process you need to be kind to yourself. Beating yourself up will not give you motivation to design a new plan. What have you enjoyed discovering in the process of working toward your goals this year?
You also need to be honest so your plan has a realistic starting point. The point of goals is to spark growth and progress not remorse.
Give yourself time and space to dream. Set goals that inspire and excite you. Identify the tools you will need to reach your goals.
You will return to this process of looking back and looking forward throughout the year so you can continue to tweak and optimize your plan.
Take time during this holiday season to celebrate your progress and to find rest and restoration to spring into an energized new year.
