As a year comes to a close, in the business world, top companies gather together their leadership teams to assess what’s gone right this year, what’s gone wrong, and what steps they can take to finish the year with strong forward momentum.
Taking time to set goals for the upcoming year will help you end this difficult year with a sense of personal accomplishment. Answer these three questions and put an action plan in place to achieve your most important goals and start laying the groundwork for a successful 2021 as well.
Be prepared
When we look back at January 2020 and the goals and dreams we had as the new year began, none of us could have imagined the way things would turn out. We have navigated through a myriad of challenges and changes.
Those experiences probably had a profound impact on the goals you set for yourself at the start of the year. Perhaps, due to social distancing or work displacement, some goals just aren’t very realistic right now. Or social justice movements and perhaps community needs inspired new goals that have jumped to the top of your list.
The space between the things we want to do and the things we can do in this environment might feel overwhelming. But if you try to do too much in a short space of time, you’ll only scatter minimal progress across targets that you won’t be any closer to hitting. Instead, reflect on how 2020 has affected you personally, professionally, emotionally, and physically.
Focus your attention on one or two practical goals that will give you the most fulfillment. File away any goals that don’t make the cut for your 2021 game plan.
Create actionable daily steps
Once you’ve curated your list of goals, it’s time to break down those goals even further into actionable daily steps. Completing daily action items will build up to major accomplishments over time if you’re diligent about crossing them off your to-do list.
Some of your goals might have to change to accommodate 2020. Your “exercise three days per week” goal might have to take place in front of a computer rather than at a gym. This step might also help you improve a vague goal, like, “I want to give back,” with a more specific and actionable step, like, “I’m going to call the local food pantry and see if they have any volunteer opportunities.” Making that phone call will lead you to another actionable step that you can take tomorrow, and so on.
Hold yourself accountable
Effective goal setting creates a stepladder that builds on the previous day’s progress and keeps you moving closer to your ultimate goal. But some days getting up on that ladder is easier than others.
Many people maintain motivation via short-term rewards. For example, when you’ve made it halfway to your savings goal for a down payment on a new house, treat yourself and your spouse to a nice dinner. If you accomplish your daily job search tasks for four days in a row, give yourself a Friday afternoon off and watch a movie or play a round of golf.
Track your progress. There are online tools and apps you can use to check off daily tasks. It could also be fun to personalize a pen-and-paper journal that combines your to-do lists with reflections on your journey.
Finally, there’s no stronger accountability system than other people. Knowing that your running buddy is waiting for you on the trail will get you out of the house even when your bed is especially cozy. Seek out groups of likeminded people online who will inspire you to write more, cook healthier meals, sand down the rough edges, and learn the next three chords.
We can be part of the support system that helps you achieve your financial goals. Contact us or schedule a consultation today. Get your new year off to a strong start.
