As we start to get settled into 2013, those New Year resolutions we made with both fervour and passion just after the stroke of midnight can quickly be forgotten. We can start the year off with the best of positive intentions, “I am going to make study notes throughout semester this year at uni”, or “I will become fluent in Italian”, or even “I am going to keep my desk tidy for the whole year” – and we all know how that last resolution will end…

  

 

It is important to start the year properly; this includes taking the time to sit down and pen those resolutions or dreams into goals. It is a bit like when you are driving somewhere new, say for example we are driving to Timbuktu. We know vaguely where it is, think we know how to get there but then find we are actually driving through Nigeria. Having goals is like having a road map on how to get to Timbuktu; goals are more than just scribbled words on a piece of paper – when written correctly, they help us to focus and direct our energy on what we want to achieve.

 

Now you have probably done goal setting before and are probably thinking“Yeah, yeah, I can set goals in my sleep”. However, sometimes we need gentle reminders and pointers that result in a subtle change that can make a huge difference. So, some ideas for when you sit down to set your goals:

 

·        Ensure your goals are in alignment with your values and don’t contradict one another

For example – there is no point setting a goal of making a million dollars this year if another goal is to spend meaningful time with your family and friends each week through different activities, as well as win a world championship medal. The first goal is incompatible with the second two – both in terms of time commitment and the philosophies behind each goal.

·        Develop goals across different areas of your life

If we have goals relating to areas such as sport, career or education, family, music etc., then this can help with balance in life – you aren’t putting all your eggs into the one basket and aids in a holistic life approach. Just remember the first dot point – ensure your goals fit with one another.

·        Goals are written in the positive

No point focusing on what we don’t want to have happen or what we want to leave behind. We need to give our subconscious brain the right goals to focus on, rather than have it thinking about ‘’that purple elephant sitting on the roof eating cake”.

·        Use the SMART acronym when setting goals

Goals need to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-framed. So if we use a previous example of “I want to become fluent in Italian”, a SMART goal would look something like “It is December 2013 and I have just received in the mail my Level 1 Translator Certificate from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters”.   See the difference?!

·        Have both big picture goals and stepping-stone goals

The example above is a big picture goal – how are you going to get there? Stepping stone goals provide the pathway and break the bigger goals down into achievable chunks.

·        If it hasn’t become obvious yet, you need to WRITE YOUR GOALS DOWN!!!

Writing down your goals provides a roadmap to success. It is also important once you have written down your goals that they are literally in your face. You need to be constantly feeding your subconscious about what you want. So before you go to bed each night, get a feeling, thought, picture and sound of what it would be like to achieve your goal. Make it real, believe it – that way, you are well on your way to achieving it. Maybe even stick your goal on the bathroom door!

  

 

What goals will you achieve in 2013??!!

 Until next time,

Ride safe, ride with a smile, ride in the moment,

Han