Selecting your goals for 2019

As I wrote in my post last week, Say Good-bye to Resolutions and Hello to Goals for 2019, I highlighted the importance of creating good quality goals for 2019.

But what is a quality goal? I mentioned using the SMART method to create solid goals but how do you decide which goals to pursue? As a career coach, I get asked this question often. Clients understand the mechanics of creating a quality goals, but struggle with selecting the areas of their life that needs attention.  I devised a simple diagram to help foster a conversation. The result is the client's awareness of where to make a change. I call this the Goal Pyramid.

· The base section of the pyramid contains the client's Values and Beliefs. They represent the core of who we are and identifies what is important in our life. Our values and beliefs influence our attitudes and therefore our behaviors.

· The middle section contains our Priorities. Priorities represent our actions we exhibit on a day to day basis. This exercise allows us to see if our priorities in life are aligned with our values.  If they are not, this is a good place to consider goals for 2019. 

· The top of the Pyramid represents our Goals. Based on our values and priorities, it is now time to determine what changes or adjustments we want to make in our life. What are the focus areas in your life for 2019? Visualize how your life would be if you were to achieve your goals (big or small). How does it look? Setting the right goals is critical to achieving your vision of the future.

When creating goals, define goals that will result in a major impact on your life. Include goals that help address smaller ambitions as well. Set checkpoints every one or two months to track your progress and tweak if necessary for over zealous projections or incorrect assumptions.

 Make 2019 the year your vision comes more in focus. Good luck.