Happy New Year and prosperous wishes to you all in 2008! By now, many of you have created some ‘new year’s resolutions’ or goals of some kind. Some of you are wondering when you’ll have time to get around to thinking about some goals, let around writing them. And others may be thinking, “Why should I make goals or resolutions, when I never follow through anyways?” What’s the point?
The point is not to write goals or resolutions. The point is that you have some thoughts about forward movement in your life. What is the saying, “If you don’t know where you’re going, how will you know when you get there?” (or something like that). The other point about forward movement is the knowing how to get there. If you plan to drive from MN to Alaska (you have a goal); would you just get in the car and drive where you felt like driving? Some people do. However, the folks that usually arrive at their destination, are those that have looked at a map, considered various routes, and planned at least an idea for themselves based on their goal, timeline, resources, etc. A part of that goal can be meandering around various back roads until you finally reach Alaska at a certain time of year….. See?! You can have goals AND a plan for how to accomplish them, and STILL enjoy the journey!
It’s also great to acknowledge your accomplishments. If you haven’t already, I recommend taking time to sit and think about 2007. It’s helpful to take out a calendar as well, preferably one in which you’ve written. Make a list (by month if it’s easier) of accomplishments and delightful activities for you this past year. It’s fun to look at them, and important to recognize them. This activity will also help you move forward with your plans for this next year.
Now, take some time to imagine what you’d like this year. The following questions might assist you in making a list for this year:
• What (if any) things you did last year would you like to accomplish this year?
• What (if any) things did you not get to, that you would like to do this year?
• This about 2008, and pretend it’s December 2008. Write a list of accomplishments that you’ve done over this past year.
• What is something that you’ve been yearning to do, but keep putting off?
• Make of list of things you would like to get done this year (include both work and fun, professional and personal goals).
Now that you’ve made a list, I’m going to ask you to prioritize them. At least put down which ones are really important, which one’s are optional and which are things that you’d really like to do, but not necessary (ie: travel to Mexico). Double check the ones that you put as most important and see how they align with your values (if they don’t, a question would be how to make it so). Next, put them into SMART goals. See my blog from March 2007 to revisit what are SMART goals. Or check out the Minneapolis Start Tribune article entitled, “Be A SMART Goal Setter” (quoting yours truly) by Robert Elsenpeter dated 11-24-07: http://www.startribune.com/1757/v-print/story/1553767.html. If you can’t find it, email me (sandi@adelantecoaching.com) and I’ll send you a PDF version of the article.
Doing these activities will help you to get a jump start on moving forward with your own dreams and goals this year. If you’re having trouble completing this task, there are many of us coaches out there able to help you focus and get some things accomplished. If you are new to hiring a coach, please check out the websites on my blogroll for either referrals or to get more information (specifically ICF, MN Coaches Association and ILCT). And of course, you’re more than welcome to contact me for more detailed coaching information!
Have a happy and prosperous 2008. I wish you success in ADELANTE (moving forward)! J
Peace, Sandi
