How To Effectively Set Goals For 2020
It's the first blog post of the New Year!
We have an exciting new year ahead of us and we are just starting! Usually, we decide to start new habits on 31st Dec and we give up on 5th Jan 😌…
Therefore, today I want to talk about how to set a realistic target for 2020.
As you noticed, I love using a numbered process for my tips, I find it easier to follow. So, here are 3 tips to set an exciting and realistic goal! I will explain the steps of my favorite target of reading books!
1. Choose a hobby or interest that you really love!
Sometimes we want to start hobbies just because they are popular. “I have to start CrossFit, I should go dancing because my friend is there, climbing sound cool in my company 🙃” We are heavily guided by social media and we believe that we should do it as well. Your soul will only feel nourished if you listen to what it needs… Think of something that is a real desire for you, that you really love and start from there.
Books are the biggest source of my journey, I have read over 300 books related to healing, energy and self-development in last 8 years…Some became my master books, some gave me joy, some were just the right book at the right time! For this exercise, I will explain my 2020 target on books.
2. Work on a SMART goal!
You probably know what a SMART goal is from either business schools or business meetings. I know most of us are trying to run away from corporate culture, however there is no harm in taking the best practices 🤗 I talk on SMART objectives in my day job everyday!
My book target is: I want to read 20 new books in 2020. Let’s check if it is SMART?
Specific: I want to read books related to my passion and my purpose. So, instead of any book, I add books related healing, energy, mindfulness or simply books with purposeful vibes 😉 25 is a clear number instead of ‘some books’.
Measurable: I will check every quarter how many I’ve read, if I finish 3 new books in Q1, I can keep the year target.
Achievable: Do I have time and resources? I can afford books, it is hard to carry them around in my travels but I have a kindle for that (I am still a fan of paper books though! 📚)
Realistic: The most important thing is your target should be exciting but not overwhelming. If you feel stressed when you think of the numbers, just decrease it! You are trying to adopt a new hobby, it should bring you joy there is no need to add unnecessary stress. You can always revisit the number and make your goal realistic.
I can afford new books, I can use kindle in my travels. I am taking a sabbatical in Feb and March where I will travel far east so in my case 2 books per month is achievable 👍🏼 Here, instead of 25, I choose 20. I don’t want to force 2 books per month, maybe 1 month I will spend more time on other hobbies.
Timely: In this example, I set my self an annual target, however when you acquire a new habit I highly recommend to have short term targets such as a month or quarter.
3. Focus on the desired outcome rather than struggles!
If you want to change your life, there is only 1 way. Taking action! It is harder to take action in the beginning; the reason is you do not see the desired outcome yet. When you start practicing yoga, you will not be flexible on day 1. However, after 3 months you reach a level where you cannot believe your progress! In order to force yourself and get out of your comfort zone, when you feel you want to skip, just think about what will happen when you finish it.
There is no word for me to explain my satisfaction when I read a book that inspires my soul, so I use step 3 mostly on reducing sugar and doing yoga :)
If you read this blog post, it is time for you to revisit your new year plans for 2020!