7 Steps to Simple, Powerful Goals

Over the years, I have (and am sure you have too) run across numerous strategies, products, and workshops for New Year goal setting. Over time, I developed my own method, a hybrid of the most popular, and one that works best for me… and one that works well of my ’09 intention of keeping things simple. I share these 7 steps to encourage you to create your own 2009 roadmap to success in an easy, realistic way:


1. Write them down in detail – studies prove that those who write down what they want have much more success than those who do not. Be specific – vague goals create vague results. Include answers to the questions “how much?” and “by when?

2. Chunk each one down – create action steps and include in your to-do list so you can move toward achieving your goals every day

3. Visualize – see yourself actually doing, being, having each goal; find related pictures and create a vision board. envision your life with them already accomplished and then add emotion to the vision – what will it feel like to have accomplished each of your goals?

4. Set goals for all areas of your life – Spiritual, Physical, Personal Development, Relationships, Financial, Community - and of course - Career.

5. Review regularly – once in the morning and once in the evening; keep them visible, such as in your day planner or calendar; put your top priority goal on a card and carry with you

6. Track progress and accomplishments throughout the year; reset and revise goals where necessary. Keep the momentum rolling – if progress is interrupted, pick up where you left off and keep moving forward.

7. Be accountable – ask someone to help hold you responsible by checking in and reminding you of your intentions for this year. You do the same for them.

Taking the time to plot out what you want to accomplish this year is like gathering up maps before taking a road trip or writing a business plan before launching a business. Being clear on what you want and determining what action steps to take puts you fully in charge of your activities this year. Constantly remind yourself of what you want and make note of your progress. And as life is constantly changing, so are our goals. If you see the need to drop one from the list or re-prioritize all of them, do so without looking back. You are in charge of this journey.

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”
Mark Twain, American author and humorist

“If you are bored with life, if you don’t get up every morning with a burning desire to do things – you don’t have enough goals.”
Lou Holtz, NCAA award-winning Football coach