Just as Microsoft does with Windows, each year I attempt to upgrade myself. And, like Windows, some versions of my new self are better than others. I just finished programming Rabiner 2012 by setting my annual goals, and I thought I’d share the most important things I’ve learned over the years about this process.
1. Believe in the power of incremental gains.
Most people can't achieve everything they want overnight or even in one year. Progress takes time. If you set goals today, ten years from now you'll look back and see you've made incremental gains. You may not have accomplished everything you set out to do, but you will be a whole lot closer to your big dreams than if you had not set goals. Without goals, growth is random. Believe in the power of incremental gains.
2. Focus on what you want.
Henry David Thoreau said, "In the long run, you only get what you aim for." This is the part of the process where you ask yourself, "What do I really want to achieve or become?"
3. Boil it down to two or three measurable goals for 2012.
Let's say, for example, that your dream for yourself is to live long and prosper. Your annual goals, then, might include one or two goals related to health and fitness and one or two goals related to professional achievement. When crafting them, make your goals measurable and keep them doable. A measurable health-related goal might look like this: Lose 10 pounds by December 31st. There's an important adage in business that says, "What gets measured gets done." The same is true for achieving personal goals.
4. Work back from there.
Now ask yourself, "What will I have to accomplish by the end of the third quarter, second quarter, and first quarter so I'm likely to meet my year-end goals?" To lose 10 pounds by December 31st, for example, your quarterly goals might be: Lose 8 pounds by September 30th, lose 6 pounds by June 30th, and lose 3 pounds by March 31st. You now have a simple plan to follow: a measurable, doable goal with benchmark accomplishments throughout the year.
5. Stay focused.
Here’s the most important step in the goal-setting process. On the bottom of your annual plan, write this statement, "To achieve my goals this quarter, this is what I will do today." Print your plan, place it on your desk or some other place so you will see it every morning, and read it as you start your day.
This simple goal-setting process will keep you focused on what’s most important and will yield surprising results. Your 2012 version of yourself may not turn out perfect, but it will be an improvement over 2011. If you follow this process every year you will, through the power of incremental gains, get what you aim for in the long run.
Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year, and please keep me posted on your progress during 2012.
1. Believe in the power of incremental gains.
Most people can't achieve everything they want overnight or even in one year. Progress takes time. If you set goals today, ten years from now you'll look back and see you've made incremental gains. You may not have accomplished everything you set out to do, but you will be a whole lot closer to your big dreams than if you had not set goals. Without goals, growth is random. Believe in the power of incremental gains.
2. Focus on what you want.
Henry David Thoreau said, "In the long run, you only get what you aim for." This is the part of the process where you ask yourself, "What do I really want to achieve or become?"
3. Boil it down to two or three measurable goals for 2012.
Let's say, for example, that your dream for yourself is to live long and prosper. Your annual goals, then, might include one or two goals related to health and fitness and one or two goals related to professional achievement. When crafting them, make your goals measurable and keep them doable. A measurable health-related goal might look like this: Lose 10 pounds by December 31st. There's an important adage in business that says, "What gets measured gets done." The same is true for achieving personal goals.
4. Work back from there.
Now ask yourself, "What will I have to accomplish by the end of the third quarter, second quarter, and first quarter so I'm likely to meet my year-end goals?" To lose 10 pounds by December 31st, for example, your quarterly goals might be: Lose 8 pounds by September 30th, lose 6 pounds by June 30th, and lose 3 pounds by March 31st. You now have a simple plan to follow: a measurable, doable goal with benchmark accomplishments throughout the year.
5. Stay focused.
Here’s the most important step in the goal-setting process. On the bottom of your annual plan, write this statement, "To achieve my goals this quarter, this is what I will do today." Print your plan, place it on your desk or some other place so you will see it every morning, and read it as you start your day.
This simple goal-setting process will keep you focused on what’s most important and will yield surprising results. Your 2012 version of yourself may not turn out perfect, but it will be an improvement over 2011. If you follow this process every year you will, through the power of incremental gains, get what you aim for in the long run.
Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year, and please keep me posted on your progress during 2012.
