The general universal rule to setting goals is to set them SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely. This method is tried and true for most people in most instances. However, I am different and using this method, only made goal setting more complicated for me. One day I was reading Nicole Antionette’s blog and she had an exercise to help you set goals and I tried it. There were a lot of steps to her process. I liked some of it I and made it work for me. In 2012, I started developing my own system of setting goals and it has been a real hit for me. I have to be honest though, I have never completed 100% of my goals in any given year but I have gotten more done with the exercise I am about share than years before. I am excited to finally have my system on paper and see it working for others.
I ultimately take this exercise to a vision board and I love how it comes together. For a couple of years I tried to do the traditional vision board with the magazine clippings and it never worked for me. It just really seemed all over the place and dysfunctional; in turn, my year would reflect that.
I am going to break the steps down for you and give you a little instruction on how to use the workbook so that you will be able to utilize it in the best way.
Step 1: Reflection
I take some time to reflect on the past year. I think about all that I have accomplished and what I need to continue to work on. What I could have done differently and what I will take with me in the future. It gives you a chance to reassess the goals that you set.
Step 2: Purpose Areas
Purpose areas are the main areas of your life that you want to set goals for such as career, health, love, family and so on. Additionally, those areas are where you want to grow and build. Within these areas, decide on 3 to 4 points of action for each one.
Step 3: Core Words
When you finish building your purpose areas, go back through them and come up with a core word for the year. I like to set a word for my year to live up to and practice for everyday living. Over the years I have used growth, brave, consistent, for example. This works so well for me – it’s amazing how seeing that word everyday reinforces your actions for the day.
For 2016 my word of focus has been “consistent”. Each area of my board required me to be consistent with each task. They weren’t tasks that just required me to do one thing one time but more of required daily tasks to get closer to my goal. I didn’t plan it that way but I am glad that it came together that way because I have been known to not follow through with things and this required me to. As I reflect back on this year it has definitely been an overall good year with its sprinkle of not so good things.
Step 4: Feelings, Feelings, Feelings
How do you want to feel during the year? This is one of my favorite steps. When I am building my vision board, I will choose colors, stickers, scriptures, sayings and shapes that will reflect how I want to feel for the year. Not only am I reinforcing my core word when I look at the vision board but I am reinforcing how I want every day to feel for the year. Do I want to feel accomplished, happy, loved, creative…so many options.
Step 5: Vision Board Creation
Now the fun part. It is time to get creative and put together your vision board. There are so many ways you can do it. My suggestion is to make it easy to follow for you. See below for some examples of different ways to put it together. Take some pieces from them but ultimately make it your own.
Now comes the good part, I am making this workbook available to you for free…Yep FREE!!! I spent some time getting it like I wanted it and I have tested it on others and it has worked for them as well. So I am excited for you to get it and get to work on your goals and dreams. What are you waiting for?
Send me an email at [email protected] and type “GOALS” in the subject line, hit send and I will get your workbook right to you.
Happy planning…send me pictures of your boards when you finished them and if you have any questions please feel free to reach out. I am always willing to help.
Can’t wait to hear from you,
Zony 🙂