I’m big into setting goals. Whether I accomplish them or not - now that’s an entirely different story. I’m sure most of you can relate.

I’m not as into “New Years resolutions,” because it seems to imply that the change is fleeting. Instead, I prefer to focus on how I want to feel at the end of next year (not the beginning).

Through trial and error, I know it’s important to have a working system when setting goals. You can’t just make a list of big ideas without a plan. We’ve all done it, and it just doesn’t work! Goals change as the year progresses. Therefore, your system must allow for updates (without the guilt that goes with changing directions).

The best way I’ve found to set goals is to start with lifelong goals, then work towards yearly goals, monthly goals, and weekly goals. As far as daily goals go - well, to me those look more like habits. It’s kind of how the Desmond Tutu quote goes, “The best way to eat an elephant - a bite at a time.”

The biggest mistakes I’ve made when setting goals is to think too big picture, and not break the goals into manageable bites. I’m also famous for biting off more than I can chew, which is most common.

Here are the steps that work best for me when it comes to setting goals. These are the steps I’m going to take before the New Year to make sure I prioritize what’s important next year.

Step 1: Set Lifetime Goals

This is actually quite simple. I ask myself one question - what does my ideal day look like (workday, and then weekend)? I write it down in detail - smells, music, lighting, surroundings, etc. Life is just comprised of many days. If you’re happy most days, your life will be a success. I find this exercise really helps me align with my definition of success, because it’s great at clearing away goals you set to impress others. Maybe it’d be cool to be CEO at a Fortune 500 company, but if you woke up today in that role, would you have a good day? Maybe yes, Maybe no. Whatever your answer, I think too few people forget to ask themselves this simple question before making big life decisions.

Once I’ve written down my vision for my ideal day, I filter out tidbits in my dream day that relate to the following categories - physical health, spiritual/mental health, finances, environment, relationships, calling, and adventure. Your categories might look different than mine, but they should be based on what you value.

Step 2: Set Yearly Goals

Lately, I’ve been using Nicole Lapin’s goal setting method (from Becoming Superwoman). Awesome book by the way! She breaks her goals into 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10-year goals. I like this method, because it takes the pressure off trying to accomplish everything this year. It allows you to think realistically, something I could use extra help with.

So for instance, your goals in the Finance category might look like this:

Finance:

Year 1: Save up $50,000 in savings.

Year 3: Buy a new house.

Year 5: Pay off house.

Year 7: Buy dream car

Year 10: Buy a vacation home.

Once I’ve flushed out my goals in all the categories, I check back in regularly. I try to review these goals once a month to make sure I still want the same things in life. The older we get, the wiser we get, so it’s okay to change your minds. What I thought I wanted changed constantly when I was younger. Now, these big goals don’t change as much - probably, because I’m more in touch with who I am.

Lastly, I highlight my Year 1 goals just to emphasize what I’m focusing on.

Step 3: Set Monthly Goals

Your monthly goals should align with your yearly goals, but they could also be mini goals like “organize the attic,” or “take a road trip.” These may not contribute to your big picture vision, but they are still important.

I like to set monthly goals as I’m coming up on the month. For me, setting them at the start of the year is too far in advance. For monthly goals, I’ve been loving Lavendaire’s method, where you answer the following questions:

Previous Month in Review:

• Describe last month in one word.

• What are some highlights from last month?

• What is one thing you’re proud of from last month?

• What is one thing you learned last month?

• How can you improve for next month?

  Next Month’s Goal Setting:

• What should next month feel like in one word?

• What are your top three goals for next month?

• What are your mini goals for next month? (for me, I like to address new habits here too)

• Schedule these goals by week in your calendar.

I find this method to be the perfect balance of yin and yang, aligned but not too pushy. It doesn’t take very long, and it’s something I look forward to doing every month.

Step 4: Set Daily Goals

The method I use for daily goals is pretty simple, and I got it from Jim Kwik. IT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE, and I’ve talked about it in multiple blog posts. Ready? Every day make a list of 3 professional and 3 personal things you need to do, and cross the items off as you accomplish them. That’s it! Anything you don’t accomplish, just rolls over to the next day. No big deal!

My daily list is comprised of both one off tasks from my calendar that get me closer to my goals, as well as repeat tasks I do every week - like writing this blog, and posting one new art print to my shop.

I also think daily habits like meditation and journaling are great for goal setting, because they help you align with what you really want. I like to write down what I did at the end of every day. I started this habit a few years ago, and haven’t looked back. It’s interesting to see what makes up a good day and a bad day. This habit has made me a lot more present.

Step 5: Be Held Accountable

I like to share my goals with people around me to make sure they are bugging me about accomplishing them. Sharing your goals on social media can also be a way of holding yourself accountable too. The more ways you can make sure you don’t flake out, the better. It may be painful in the moment, but you will thank yourself when the clock strikes midnight next year.