It’s the beginning of the year, and like the rest of us, you’ve probably been undertaking some planning for the year ahead. This article is to help you set goals and plan so that your goal become actions, and these actions are implemented, and ultimately your goals are achieved.
We’ve also developed a FREE 90 Day Planner – link at the end of this page
Outlined below is the framework that I use when setting my goals and actions.
Before, I get into the next steps, I want say that I generally have some ideas and thoughts about what it is that I want to achieve – a type of vision for myself, and the future. It’s likely you already have an idea about your goals as well. Once you have a vision for the future, you generally also have your why. I encourage you to have a vision that is vivid and clear – think about what the future looks like, and how will you feel in that moment.
The next steps are a little more structured and are strategic in their approach to goal setting and I encourage you to take your time and work through each step thoroughly.
The 6 Must-Do Steps to Setting Goals and Achieving them
1. Complete a SWOT Analysis
Firstly, undertake a SWOT analysis (focus on who you doing the planning for – you can do this for yourself as an individual, or for your team).
What are your strengths and weakness? Where do you see opportunities and threats?
I take my time completing my SWOT and will often complete it over a period of approximately a week. I take an A3 piece of paper and divide it into fours, and give quarter it’s relevant heading.
Those goals I have been thinking about, I consider these opportunities and they are immediately added into the opportunity section.
Completing the SWOT also provides a good opportunity to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, what was/am I happy about, what am I not happy with and what do I need to change.
2. Brainstorm to develop out ideas, thoughts and actions
The next phase it to set aside 20 minutes. Grab some post-its, coloured pens and put on some vibe music to get motivated. I look at SWOT, and start listing anything the really resonates with me, and that might want to achieve.
I think look at how my strengths, can overcome possible threats, and how I turn weaknesses into opportunities. Once the time is up – group together those post-its with a similar theme. These become my goals themes. Goal themes can take on a range of matters. For example, consider your have a goal theme of personal development – post-its in that section could include short courses that you’ve researched, or skills that have been identified as needing improvement. Themes could also relate to each of the work areas for your team.
3. Identify Key Goals
After you’ve grouped your post-its, you should be able to see more clearly what your priorities will be based on the themes. You now need to short-list your key goals, and why are these important to you.
There are often times when there seems to be so many goals – identify those which are critical to your success and prioritise these. Ensure you know “your why” for each of these goals, as this will will keep you motivated when times get a little tough.
4. Set SMART Milestones and Actions
The next step is to take your goals, and write them down as SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-based) goals.
Break down each goal into milestones, so the goals becomes smaller bite sized chucks of things to achieve.
Then put actions to each milestone, so you know exactly what needs to get done!
5. Plan for Each 90 Day Period
After you have listed out your goals, milestones and actions, prioritise these and work which ones you want to achieve over the next 12 months and then align them to each quarter (90 days) in your calendar.
When planning out your goals, milestones and actions keep in mind other matters that may de-rail your plans. Certain times of the year, such as the Christmas period may be exceptionally busy socially, and therefore is likely to be difficult to dedicate enough time to complete study (should that be one of your goals). You need to be mindful of what is going on around you, so you can plan accordingly and strategically.
6. Reward yourself
Finally, as you start ticking off item your milestones and goals, be sure to reward yourself for all of your hard work and effort. You should be very proud of what you are achieving.
What the best piece of advice you would give to someone who is new to setting goals?