At the beginning of a New Year, we are presented with another opportunity to get things “right”. It is entirely up to you what you define as your personal criteria for success. Neuroscientists have proven that multi-tasking is an illusion; and time to achieve what you desire is limited (365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes per year).

Now, what is it that you want to do with the rest of your precious life? And what key goals and achievements would contribute to your overall vision this year? Here is a three-step process that supports you to discover your important goals and priorities:

1 – Create

To get your thoughts started, please take a look at the different areas of your life. What area or role requires your special attention and some change effort?

  • Career & Business
  • Financial Freedom
  • Health & Well-Being
  • Fun & Joy
  • Relationships (social & intimate)
  • Family
  • Learning & Intellectual Stimulations
  • Spirituality
  • Other

What would you like to stop, start or continue doing in each of the identified areas of your life? What would you like to feel particularly proud of by the end of this year? Please create some goals and ensure that your list or mind map covers every item that is critical to you right now.

2 – Clarify

Next, answer the following questions for each goal:

  • What do I want to achieve with this goal? (Outcome)
  • Why is this goal important to me? (Meaning / Value)

 

Visualize yourself or the situation after the goal is successfully completed when considering the desired outcome of each goal. What do you see, hear, feel, do, say, have etc.?
What are your top three values? Align each goal to one of those values. If a goal does not align or you have trouble answering either question, put it aside. Only those goals that have answers to both questions will make it on the final priority list.

3 – Choose

In order to develop a manageable list of your top 3 – 5 goals, further decisions need to be made. Review each goal again by answering these questions. Yes or no?

  • Does your life or livelihood (or someone’s you love) depend on this goal?
  • Is there a critical deadline associated with the goal?
  • Does this goal keep you up at night?
  • Do you get agitated just thinking about it?
  • Is it attainable?
  • Are you ready and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve this goal?

Count the number of ‘yes’ per goal and rank the goals with the highest number of ‘yes’ answers on the top. Before you start taking action with purpose, define SMARTer goals for the top 3 – 5 priorities on your final list. These are the criteria:

S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Action-Oriented
R – Realistic
T – Time-Based
e – Energizing & Engaging
r – Reviewed Regularly.

Coaching provides you with support to pick a sensible number of goals, assess which ones have meaning and relevance to you and stay on track in their pursuit. Coaching also helps define the first crucial steps towards achieving your goal. A coach holds you accountable for following through your action plan, including reviewing and evaluating it. Contact me to find out if coaching is right for you.

And remember this:
“Action expresses priorities.” Mahatma Ghandi
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” Stephen R. Covey