Your Blueprint for Success: How to Start Planning for Goal Setting

Dec 15

Setting goals is more than just making a wish list; it's about creating a clear path to the life you want. A comprehensive and disciplined planning process is the foundation for successfully accomplishing your goals. Based on lessons learned from years of goal-setting, here's a step-by-step guide on how to start planning for goal setting and set yourself up for an incredible journey.

Step 1: Reflect and Dream Big ✨

Before looking forward, take a moment to look back and then allow yourself to dream boldly.

Reflect on the Past: What were your goals from previous years? What lessons did you learn from both your successes and your setbacks? Understanding what has or hasn't worked will inform your future planning. Also, consider the things you used to do that brought you joy but may have stopped.
Set Bold and Aspirational Goals: Don't play it safe! Set goals that genuinely excite and stretch you. Bold goals broaden your view of what's possible, and aspirational goals motivate you to work hard. Get comfortable with feeling unsure about how you'll achieve them—that's part of the challenge.
Discover Your "Why": Why do you want to achieve these goals? If you don't have a deep reason tied to your personal purpose, it will be hard to find the motivation to keep going when things get tough.
Think Long-Term: Consider creating an orientation plan (a 3-5 year high-level outline) to give yourself a sense of direction and help you see where your yearly goals fit into your bigger picture.

Step 2: Create Your Plan of Action 🗺️

A big goal needs to be broken down into manageable actions.

Detail Daily Activities: Setting a massive goal isn't enough; you must plan the small, daily activities that lead to its accomplishment. Break down your big goals into small tasks you can work on every day.
Explore Needed Resources: What tools, support, or knowledge will help you accomplish your goals? This could be a planning notebook, specialized software, or new skills you need to learn. Equip yourself with the right tools from the start.
Schedule Time for What Matters: The only way things get done is if you schedule them. Block time on your calendar to work towards your goals and to incorporate necessary routines (like rest and reflection).
Plan for Check-ins and Reviews: Don't set your goals and abandon them. Establish a system for tracking progress. Plan for regular reviews (monthly or quarterly) to reflect on your progress, make necessary changes, and stay on track.

Step 3: Set Yourself Up for Success and Support 🤝

Success often relies on the systems and people you have around you.

Prioritize and Focus: It's easy to take on too much and feel overwhelmed. Prioritize your goals and learn to focus your energy on the most important areas, even if it means pausing work on other goals temporarily.
Set Boundaries and Routines: If you're struggling with work-life balance or overworking, you need to set boundaries around your time. Identify and start new, supportive routines that make you feel more efficient, energized, and inspired (e.g., reading, rest, exercise).
Build Your Support Community: You don't have to do it all on your own. Surround yourself with goal-oriented people who will cheer you on, encourage you, and hold you accountable. Be ready to ask for and accept help when you need it, whether from family, friends, or hired support.

Step 4: Embrace Flexibility and Celebrate 🎉

The path to your goals is rarely a straight line. Prepare for change and remember to enjoy the journey.

Create Agile and Flexible Plans: Life is unpredictable. Accepting change as part of your goal-setting process is key to long-term success. Be willing to adjust your plan when things inevitably go out of your control.
Learn from Setbacks: When things don't go as planned, don't be hard on yourself. Approach setbacks with an open mind, looking for the valuable lessons they teach you, and then recommit to your path with a renewed action plan.
Celebrate Your Accomplishments (Even the Little Ones): Working towards big goals can be exhausting. Plan for celebrations and mark key milestones. Celebrating your wins energizes you for the rest of the journey and helps you see how far you’ve come.
Believe in Yourself: Ultimately, you need to know that you have what it takes to be successful. Reflect on your past accomplishments—the bold goals that once seemed too big are now things you've achieved. This gives you hope for the future.