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A new year is approaching and it’s time to set your goals and habits and define your intentions for 2019. I always feel like a new year is a fresh start and can be anything you want it to be.
I have been setting goals and tracking my accomplishments for years. I credit goal setting (using the S.M.A.R.T. method[1]) for helping me achieve a high GPA in undergrad, getting accepted into law school and my continued success in the practice of law. I also credit charts that I have made to track certain goals and my progress, and vision boards, to getting what I want in life.
Visually seeing your goals every day in 1 or more places is a powerful reminder of your intentions, goals and habits. I highly recommend having a visual reminder.
Over the years, I have tried many different types of goal setting, but now this is the method that works for me. I create a 1 page mind-map that has all my goals, habits and intentions for the year mapped out. Note that the mind-map doesn’t have all the S.M.A.R.T. factors in it because it is only 1 page, and I use another method to implement the goals and habits. See my other article on How to Stick to Your Goals and Habits.
I highly recommend breaking down this goals, habits and intentions exercise into a couple separate sessions. Don’t try to do it all at once because you will likely get tired, not find it enjoyable, and put too much pressure on yourself to just complete it. This is one of those “it’s more about the journey than the destination” scenarios.
To be able to have all my goals and habits on 1 page, I use scratch paper and
1. brainstorm ideas – see the questions I ask myself below to help me brainstorm and generate ideas.
2. research online – I have researched anything from how to set goals and habits; how to stick to goals and habits; electronic planners and calendars; hardcopy planners and calendars; tips for goal setting; the best indoor rock climbing facilities in town and their reviews; best pens for writing in planners; money saving tips; personal finance; how to track goals and habits; and other people’s ideas for goals and habits.
3. reflect inwardly as to what I want for myself in the new year and the life I want for myself.
Below are my favourite pens to use when I am working on my mind-map and in my planners. If you like ballpoint pens then I recommend the BiC Atlantis Original Retractable Fashion Ball Pen. If you like gel pens, then I recommend the Paper Mate Rollerball Gel. I have used A LOT of different kinds of pens, and these ones are by far the ones I recommend.
In my brainstorming session, I evaluate myself and I ask myself:
When I set my goals, habits and intentions, it is not just a “carry forward” of all the things I was not able to accomplish the previous year. It’s a reflection on whether I am the person I want to be and whether my values (which do change over the years) are reflected in my goals, habits and intentions for the next year. I consider whether I need to put less pressure on myself e.g. less goals or habits this year so that I can focus on a specific goal category (e.g. Finance – debt repayment) or whether I need to work harder to accomplish my goals.
If life circumstances ever change in the year, though, they can always be revised. And, I have revised my goals and habits when they have become “too much”.I am a huge fan of using different coloured pens or font for each category, so it’s visually appealing and fun to create.
Here are common goal setting categories, in no particular order:
To help you start your mind-map and come up with your goals, habits and intentions, let’s walk through my 2018 goals, habits and intentions. I have set these all out to help you in brainstorming and in preparing your own goal setting mind-map.
What are your intentions for the new year? Think of this as your theme or purpose for 2019. What do you want to focus on? It could be a word or a phrase.
Once you have your intention or intentions, this will help focus your goals to ensure they are RELEVANT to your overall life plan.
My 2018 intentions:
1. Take back control of my life (that’s also the theme and purpose of my website.)
2. Be kind.
3. Restore balance.
Examples – Here are some other examples of intentions to help you out:
Your turn: What will be your intention(s) for 2019?
Actionable Tip: Notice my use of the words “I will …” – I prefer this way because it’s phrased in the first person and in a way that holds me accountable.
Financial Goals and Habits
Actionable Tip: If you have never set habits for yourself and this is your first time, I recommend implementing 1 new habit a month (so 12 habits in the year). Experts say that it takes at least 20 days for something to become a habit, and even then I have found that you have to do something to keep the habit going. I track my habits daily (or at least I try to).
Spiritual Goals and Habits
Relationship Goals and Habits
Significant other:
Family and Friends:
Community:
Physical Health and Recreation Goals and Habits:
Actionable Tip: To track my progress visually, on the family calendar in the kitchen, I put a big “G” in red on the date I went to the gym, “Y” if I went to yoga and “R” if I went for a run, etc. This helps me see my progress and I get concerned when 4 days have gone by and I have not been active.
Home Goals and Habits:
Personal (Me) Goals and Habits:
Adventure Goals and Habits
I like to travel and I try to build that into my goal planning sessions.
I list out all the places I plan to travel that year and when those trips might be.
I have a separate long list of places I want to travel, so I refer to that list to see what destination is next.
Cost is a factor as well as what’s going on in the world (e.g. is it safe to travel there?)
This leads us to my next article on How to Stick to Your Goals and Habits in 2019. Click here.
You may also want to read my newest post on 10 ways to live your best life in 2019!