#yougotdis
Here we are, closing out another year and walking into the new year. Surely we’re all thinking about our resolutions or goals? We sat down with a group of creative peers in our local community to discuss tips for setting goals and even shared a couple of our own. I want to share a few tips with you.
Common roadblocks come up when talking about why goals drop off your radar and become so hard to achieve, or simply disappear:
- Procrastination
- Distraction
- Other Priorities (work, family, life)
And look, I totally understand. I fall into those same “excuses” often. One thing I have to remind myself, and we discussed this in our group discussion is that YOU are just as much of a priority as anything around you. Let’s say for example, you want to further your education in your related industry. Your effort to expand your knowledge ultimately supports your career, enhances your value for your employer, makes you a better equipped individual for a client or team.
Whether you’re setting goals for your career path, personal goals, or maybe a blend of the two, we want you to be successful in accomplishing those goals. Let’s look at five pillars that will increase your success rate:
Set goals that motivate you
Set goals that support a high priority in your life. Without this focus, you can end up with too many goals or goals that drift away. With focus or intention, it creates motivation and drives you towards success.
- Motivation is key to accomplishing your goals.
- Create a value statement
Set SMART Goals
S = Specific
Set a clear and well-defined goal, this helps with your direction. Don’t be too vague here.
M = Measurable
Include data, dates, and anything else that supports seeing your traction in measuring your success.
A = Attainable
Set a goal that you can achieve. If you set the bar too high, you risk demoralizing yourself and possibly scarring your confidence. But be careful to not make it too easy. Set a realistic goal, yet challenging enough to hit that sweet spot — you want to feel like you worked for it for more reward.
R = Relevant
Set a relevant goal that supports the direction you want your life and career to go.
T= Time Bound
Give yourself a deadline, creating a sense of urgency and achievement comes much quicker. And you’ll also know when to celebrate.
Set goals in writing
The physical act of writing makes it real and tangible. Write your goals down. Put them in places where you can see them, keeping your goals in sight
Frame your goal statement positively. Example: “I will …” instead of “would like to” or “might”
If you’re a to-do person, make a list of steps to accomplish your goals.
Make an action plan
This step often gets overlooked. We tend to get too focused on the outcome; we forget the steps to get there. Write down individual tasks – I like to approach this in a reverse-engineered type of way. Once you have your tasks laid out, check them off as you get closer to the end goal. This action will show you that you are getting closer to your end goal and seeing success along the way.
Making an action plan looks a little
- Identify tasks — what do you need to do to accomplish your goal
- Analyze and Delegate (if you need to arrange resources / outside help)
- Consider space, cash, equipment, and supplies required to achieve your goals.
Learn more about action plans here.
Stick with it
Goal setting is an on-going project. Set reminders to check in with your goal and stay on track.
Added Tips:
Set appointments with yourself during the week to work on your goal. This dedicated time with your project allows you to keep your goal in the forefront and a priority, with the added treat of checking off those action items on your list.
Fill your cup. You can’t take care of your work, your family, or anything else outside of you if “your cup is empty”. Set a personal goal this year that allows you to take care of YOU. Examples: Meditate, exercise, go hiking, sip tea and read a book.
Accountability buddies help! If you have someone who can support you in your goal-getting effort, share your process and invite them to check in on you along the way.
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Our goals for 2019, you ask? They are to write more (calendar set for research, writing, visual support) and run more (prepare for a 5k or 8k to start). #igotdis
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What is your 2019 goal? Do you tend to face any challenges when aiming to accomplish your goals? Did you accomplish a big goal in 2018 that you’d like to share? Write us! We’d love to celebrate your accomplishments and cheer you on in the new year.