It’s that time again! It’s time to review the past 12 months and set your goals for the New Year!
Based on what happened to your well thought out 2020 goals, you might be tempted to ignore this annual tradition. Or you might just feel like recycling those goals, since most were likely tossed out the window this past spring.
Okay, saying 2020 didn’t go as planned is an understatement. However, we know that despite the volatility of the year, there are still good reasons to set goals. Goals help us focus our energy and set priorities. Goals help drive behaviour - they can be used to create milestones for success and measure achievements.
So, pull out the old tried and true SMART model and begin to set your goals for 2021.
Make certain your objectives are SPECIFIC and MEASURABLE, and then review them to ascertain they are ACHIEVABLE. Verify that they are RELEVANT to your situation, and finally, establish a realistic TIME frame for their completion. Set aside enough time to really work through each of these steps – they are essential for making the entire process worthwhile and productive.
Then as a follow-up, ask yourself these questions:
- As you review your goals – Are you being optimistic AND realistic?
- As you monitor your behaviours – Are you doing what is needed to stay on track?
- As you monitor monthly results – Are you off course? If yes, revert to weekly check-ins.
- As you focus on the future – Are you concentrating on what you can control, and letting go of what you can’t?
And lesson learned - when life throws a new wrinkle your way, be ready to change, pivot and re-adjust to what is happening in the business world around you.
With your path to success set, you can move into 2021 ready to be positive, energized and focused.
Dale
About Dale
Dale Wilcox is co-owner of WATMEC. Dale is a respected board member, former volunteer of the year, and inaugural Chair of the Canadian Society for Training and Development.