It’s already the 9th and I’m just now getting ready to begin a “new year”. I usually have my planner finished for the next year by the middle of December. I just couldn’t get it together this time. 2007 was challenging, not that I want to be constantly looking back. But sometimes that’s the best way to make note of what wasn’t- or still isn’t- working in my life so I can make changes. In my evaluation, I had to admit that I had been dragging a few dead horses for way too long and I had to cut them loose so I’d be free to walk forward with new vigor and purpose. It sounds so easy, but when you have been feeling the weight of something for so long, you get used to it and convince yourself it isn’t too heavy to handle. When you’re finally free, there is an adjustment period as your body gets used to the new “lightness”. That’s where I am today. And for the record, I used the cliche just for my husband – who teases me about using them at all.
I was supposed to go away for the weekend and enjoy 3 days of relaxation and refocusing (without my family) at my in-laws house while they’re out of state for a few weeks, but several feet of snow in the higher altitudes foiled my plan. I only cried a little. So I moved on to plan B. I went to the library and set up camp at a big table out of the main traffic areas. Like the cartoon in my last post, I pulled out a clean sheet of paper, surrounded myself with my favorite colors, and got to work creating my list of what is going to get my focus and attention this year. 4 1/2 hours later my writing hand was sore and my butt was asleep from sitting so long, but I had 14 pages of goals and notes and lists for 2008. Sound a little overzealous to you? Not really.
I needed a little refresher on goal setting and found The Goals Guy, Gary Ryan Blair. Out of all the websites I looked at, his was my favorite. It was straightforward and simple and I left the site prepared for my afternoon of planning. Combining what I learned at his site, and all of the seminars I’ve attended in the past, I came up with my own simplified plan. I’ve been influenced by many people and wish I could give credit to them all, but the list is long. If you’re interested in who these people are and how you can find them, email me and I’ll help you out.
Here’s the Niki Nowell formula for goal setting:
- State your goal clearly IN WRITING.
- Answer the “WHY?” question. Why is this a goal and how will it benefit you?
- Make a deadline. Is this a short term or long term goal? When will you expect results? Pick a date, write it on the calendar, and re-evaluate along the way. Adjust the deadline if needed.
- Rewards! Write down what rewards you will reap by achieving your goal. Are they physical? mental? spiritual?
- Define your plan. What are the steps you need to take to realize your goal? Be specific.
This is the simplified version, but works great for me. I remember things easier when I write them down. It’s also helpful when I go back later to evaluate if I’m on track to reach my goals. I have to admit, it’s been a few years since I’ve done this. I needed to get over the whole idea of New Year’s resolutions – which I now believe to be evil. 😉 The word “resolution” smacks of regret, moving away from something, and begins with feelings of past failures. I want to be moving towards something and begin with hope and anticipation of all my future holds.
My 14 pages was 20 goals covering the 4 major areas of my life: Personal Development, Family, Ministry, and Homeschooling. The overzealous part was that I color-coded the whole thing. (Stop laughing Tawnya!) I’m a J, remember?
