The 5 questions to ask when you’re setting goals
As I sit working on my goals for next year, I thought that you might enjoy reading just a little bit about the process I use.
And if you haven’t yet started thinking about what you want to accomplish next year, consider these 5 questions:
1. What is your theme for 2010? (more on this tomorrow)
Do you want more order, creativity, security, peace, stability, etc. in your life? I like to start with a one-word theme and build my goals around that word. E.g. last year’s word was simplify
2. What are the top 3 – 5 goals you want to accomplish?
I’ve coached people on goal-setting for about 14 years (before I was even “officially” called a coach!) and some things people came up with include: go on a marriage retreat, start my own business, get pregnant, find a new job, grow spiritually, and of course, the two things on most people’s lists: lose weight and get organised 
3. Are your top 3 – 5 goals aligned with your theme?
Sometimes you’ll feel an unease inside when you’re trying to accomplish goals for the wrong reasons, or just at the wrong time of your life.
I started signing up for business growth teleseminars over the last couple of weeks but without any real excitement until I realised that my babies are my primary focus for the next year and that’s why I don’t really care that much about becoming the next big online name
4. How will you get there?
Having a strong, clear vision is a big, important first step to your goals. When I coach on goals, I always first ask the person to think about what that big, juicy vision is. Then we start working on the how.
So how will you get there? If you’re not sure, I can help you. One of my gifts is that I can distill a vision into tangible action steps and help you get to your goal quickly and with no wasted effort.
5. Who or what is in your support network?
I can never over-emphasize the importance of having someone in your corner, cheering you on to your goals.
Do you have a friend, pastor, mentor, colleague, coach, etc. who can do that for you? Notice I didn’t say family member because I’ve found over the years that family members are…let’s just say… a little too close to the action sometimes and often can’t be objective in helping and guiding you.
Of course you can do it on your own… if you’re willing to take a longer time and you have the patience to make lots more mistakes along the way.
Now that you’ve read the 5 questions, I have one more important question to ask you – will you be starting 2010 on the right note?
If you want to start next year right, then I’d like to invite you to check out How to set and achieve your goals.
Don’t forget to come back tomorrow – there’s a free 2010 goals form for you
Tags: goals
I just found your blog and am loving it. Going through the archives now to get to know your work even better.
I love what you’ve set out here. I love the idea of a “theme”. I was just drafting a post talking about what I call “mission critical” items, those that really focus you on what you want to accomplish. I, too, find that it’s imperative to set those goals before coming up with action items to support them. Otherwise, you just flail around, not getting anything important done.
Meredith, we are cyber sisters!!! I also love your blog and thanks for all the kind words
Thanks! I am just setting new years goals, which I have never been good a keeping. So I will be here tomorrow too!
Excellent! Let me know if you need any help.