So. What do you want to do this year?

I am definitely in the mindframe that the start of a new year is a fresh start and the perfect time to access where you are at and your plan for the year ahead. Instead of just mindlessly making a list of things you want, let’s get intentional about setting goals that we will actually accomplish!

Call it what you want, but for me, the New Year is the epitome of a fresh start. I am fully of the mind that this is perfect time to acknowledge where you are, and get PLANNING for where you want to go. 

It’s easy to make a list of resolutions:

• Don’t let my laundry sit on the floor. 
• Go for a run every day. 
• Call my family more often.  

Buuut, let’s get real: often, these are mindless lists that often end in failure (sorry, new-sneakers-you-bought-last-boxing-day!). Actual accomplishment begins with true intention. 

So, let’s get to setting some thoughtful goals that can TOTALLY be met in 2020, shall we? 

1. Write down everything you would like to achieve this year. It doesn’t matter how big or how small, just write it down. Brain-dump!

2. Next, narrow down 3 goals to focus on for your first quarter.

3. From there, break down each of the 3 goals – what action steps do you need to apply to achieve each one? Add a goal completion date to each of the action steps so you can visualize wrapping up each goal in a pretty, accomplished, bow.

4. Revisit your goals weekly! Pick one day each week (same day and time every week, for maximum badass accountability skills) to revisit your goals and study your action steps. THIS is the key to goal setting. Often we write down our goals on January 1st and by mid-year we have no idea what they were –  keeping goals front of mind means successfully moving towards them. 

Not so hard, right? 

Lather + Rinse + Repeat for Q-2 as it approaches, and keep that momentum rolling for the remaining two quarters.

Not sure where to start? Think about ways you can keep track of your goals to stay accountable. Are you the type that likes to write it out in a planner? Do you live + die by your Google Calendar? Maybe digital copy in a Word Document or on a Trello board is more your jam. Whichever way you decide, just be real about whether it will work for you, and is accessible (and fun!) enough for you to make reference back to – and often. 

Cheers to the best year yet!