We do not always consider how to organise our plans for a new year. It is helpful to classify the many goals and wishes in our minds and identify sequential steps. Here is advice on developing an effective annual plan and working towards it.
Research cited in the article suggests that 45% of people set New Year goals, but only 8% accomplish them by the year’s end. Professional psychologists and businesspeople broadly agree on the following guidance for annual planning. The pandemic of the past two years has disrupted lives and plans. Even so, it remains important to adapt plans to circumstances rather than continually postpone goals, and to improve personal development, achievement and quality of life.
Define Goals with Purpose: What Are Your Values?
Identify what you wish to accomplish in one year, but avoid setting goals arbitrarily. Unrealistic goals that cannot be achieved within a year can create excessive pressure and, if unmet, discouragement and reluctance to try again. Ground your goals in your actual circumstances.
Successful goal setting also involves identifying who you want to become, rather than only what you want to do. Begin by defining your values. Reflect on what matters in your life during quiet moments—while cleaning, sitting in traffic or resting after work. Values are the fundamental things we cherish; list them in order of importance. Many people forget to reflect on their values before setting goals, but the two should be closely connected.
Computer science professor Ryan O’Donnell has said that setting appropriate goals should begin with reviewing what you care about most and what is important in your life.
Set Deadlines for the Steps towards Your Goal
Goals do not become reality without plans. After defining goals based on your values, develop a strategy for achieving them.
Without a specific plan, change is unlikely because people tend to follow habits. If you want to support your child’s education and abilities, plan which activities or courses they will attend and when, how to obtain and allocate funding, and what support you can provide. If you plan a major purchase, such as a home or car, clarify how to build savings, what to buy, where and when.
New Habits Play an Important Role in Reaching Goals
The article describes 21 consecutive days—less than a month—as a period in which a new habit can begin to take root. For example, if you plan daily exercise or regular reading, sustained practice can help the activity feel familiar and become routine. Developing habits connected to the change or goal you seek is therefore important.
As the new year approaches, people often imagine substantial changes in their lives, and this enthusiasm can provide an initial step towards their goals. Over time, however, difficulty moving beyond everyday routines can undermine their resolutions.
Prepare a Backup Plan
For some goals, develop an ‘if…then’ contingency plan. The pandemic has shown how unexpected events can disrupt lives. It is useful to consider risks and plan for them in advance.
Reward Each Step towards Your Goal
Try to recognise each small step and achievement on the way to a larger goal. Rewards need not be possessions or food; even sending yourself an encouraging email can help.
Taking on an overwhelming task immediately can be discouraging and reduce the desire to continue. Start gradually. For example, rather than aiming for an hour at the gym every day, begin with a walk three times a week. This can prepare you physically and psychologically for a larger goal.
Various applications can help define annual goals and plan the steps towards them. Click HERE to learn more and choose one suited to you.
If you would like to share your experience of annual goal setting and planning, please write in the comments below.
Sources: www.bluehost.com, www.huffpost.com, www.thebalancesmb.com