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This goal-setting process will walk you through how to set goals in a year of constant change while focusing on their execution so you can actually accomplish what you set your mind to!
2020 was an “unprecedented” year. I was hesitant to write this post because setting goals for 2021 has been a challenge.
I thought long and hard in December about what I really wanted to get accomplished in 2021.
And what was holding me back from setting goals for the new year is that there are still a lot of unknowns for 2021!
12 months is a long time.
12 months in year where we don’t know what to expect can feel longer and uncertain.
Setting goals for a whole year, after our world has dramatically shifted and has been filled with “unprecedented” moments, can feel futile.
However, goal setting is still important! And if you have a way to set goals, while harnessing the ability to stay flexible, that can be enormously useful in such times.
So pour yourself a cup of coffee, and let’s get into setting some goals that will guide you over the next year!
Why is Goal Setting important?
In general, goal setting can be a great way to focus, and gain momentum to set yourself up for success!
Goal setting can help you move forward. It can help you create a plan for what you want to achieve.
The process of goal setting will look different for everyone.
Everyone is motivated by different metrics, and they may come up with their goals differently.
For me personally, my challenge is with having too many ideas. I get excited about how I might accomplish them. But I lack the time and often the focus to execute them all. And that of course affects my ability to execute on anything!
Goal setting gives me the opportunity to lay out plans and avoid getting overwhelmed with all the things that need to get done.
My approach for goal setting in 2021
I typically do set goals every year. When working in a corporate role, goal setting was something I did at work. That meant that I usually only set tactical work goals and goals around career development.
Now, while I work on several creative projects, I am approaching goal setting differently.
While setting goals for the year, I’ve focused on making sure that the process is not set in stone. And that it can be flexible to specific needs for the year:
- Include multiple creative projects, taking care of myself and life in general
- Staying flexible, in the event that things dramatically shift again this year
I need to make sure that I cover all aspects of my life, not just work and career.
While setting goals for this year, I was mindful of overcommitting myself. And actually setting aside time for personal growth and self-care.
In my goals, I specifically carved out goals for meditating, journaling, and reading books.
2021 Goal Setting Process
Here is a walkthrough of my goal-setting process for 2021. If you are interested, here is a workbook style template to get you started on your own goal-setting process.
#1: Reflect on last year
If you set goals last year, did you accomplish them?
Even if you didn’t explicitly set goals, here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What were your wins?
- What were your failures
- And most importantly what did you learn from these?
This simple act of reflection can really help you envision what you want to tackle in the following year.
#2: Brain dump all your dreams and wishes
This can be a list of all the things that you have on your mind – every aspect of your life.
Don’t shy away from having too many things on your list at this point. These can be realistic, far fetched, or simply just dreams that you one day want to get done.
#3: Cherry Pick your 2021 Goals
Now pick out the goals you want to have accomplished when December 2021 rolls around.
What is important for you in the next 12-ish months.
#4: Assign the areas of focus
This for me is an important exercise. You might be able to skip over this, or you might have already sorted your goals by “life categories” or projects.
For me, this step helps because I have so many projects on the go. Sometimes it is easy to fall into the trap of focusing on one project too much and letting go of other important aspects of life.
I like to use this opportunity to make sure that I am spreading my energy over all the projects that get me excited.
#5: Convert them to SMART goals
Once you have picked out the goals convert them to SMART goals.
Chances are you have heard of this framework for setting goals. Setting SMART goals, means that each goal can be defined as:
- S – Specific – make sure they are clear, not vague goals
- M – Measurable – how will you measure the success of your goals?
- A – Attainable – goals should be achievable, but not too easy.
- R – Realistic – goals that are relevant, reachable, and actually possible.
- T – Timely or Time-Bound, when will they be completed?
#6: For each goal, set out rough action plans
Once you have written down your SMART goals, create a draft action plan. I don’t get too into the details at the point.
Just 3-5 high level steps that are necessary to reach your end goal.
For example: if you want to find a new job in a different field, your 3-5 steps may be:
- Make a list of the skills/knowledge required to get a new job
- Analyze areas where you need to increase your knowledge/expertise in this new field
- Connect with others in the field
- Immerse yourself in industry knowledge
#7: Chart out your next 90 days
Working in chunks of 90 days has really helped me get a handle on the things that really matter!
It’s easy to get lost in a sea of planning and never execute. Or to overwhelm yourself with how large some of these goals may feel.
#8: Chart out your next 1 month
Of course, at this point you need to start getting things done.
For me, the best way to get things done is to schedule them in my calendar and assign deadlines for each task.
You can even follow a weekly approach and assign things you need to do every week in order to get to the final goal.
#9: Re-evaluate every month or 90 days
Setting time aside for a monthly, quarterly, or mid-year check-in is important! This is when you can get a handle on how you are doing on your way to achieving your goals, and figure out what needs to be done next.
Your priorities may change. Or you may need to change your game plan because things didn’t go as you thought they would.
For me, personally re-evaluating and checking in with my goals I think will be key this year. I am anticipating that 2021 will likely not be a “normal” year. The ability to keep a check on my progress, and make changes will give me the flexibility to actually accomplish what I set out to do!
These regular check-ins will allow you to re-prioritize your goals if necessary and make sure you are on track to achieve your goals!
Get my free PDF goal setting template – including a check-in template!