5 Goal Setting Tips for 2021

After the year that we’ve had, it can be hard to look forward to a New Year – especially when we’re starting the New Year in a nationwide lockdown. I don’t know about you, but I’ve started this year with many, many questions;

What will life be like going forward?

Is there any point continuing to make and pursue our plans if we have no idea what’s going to happen this year? 

And probably the biggest question of all; What’s 2021 going to look like… are we going to spend most of the year stuck inside again?

Now although there is a lot of uncertainty, there is one thing that is certain; whether it’s 2020, 2021 or even 2069, we still serve the same God. 

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

God still has a plan & a purpose for us to pursue. He still has things for us to accomplish & achieve, and He still has things that He is calling us to do. That’s why we must keep pressing forward into our plans, our purpose, our passions and our vision, no matter what the circumstances may be.

“Vision without action is just a day-dream” 

One thing we must remember is that vision without action is just a day-dream. In other words, allowing our vision to remain as a thought in our mind isn’t enough. In order for our vision to become a reality, we must take action; and this is where goal setting comes into play. Goal setting is a very powerful tool that can help you turn your greater vision into a reality. But you might find yourself asking;

So here are 5 tips to help you not only set your goals, but accomplish them too.

1. TAKE YOUR TIME 

With the excitement of a new year, it can be easy to rush into setting new goals and New Year’s resolutions. But when we rush the process, we can start to set unrealistic goals.

Take your time, pray, and think carefully about your vision for 2021 and the goals you need to set to achieve it.

2. SET QUARTERLY GOALS 

When we set yearly goals, it’s easy to lose sight of what we want to accomplish because it’s such a long period of time – this means that we’re less likely to actually accomplish our goals. That’s why experts say that setting quarterly goals is more productive.

Quarterly Goals are more manageable, more motivating, and because we only have 90 days in mind, we’re more likely to stay focused and actually achieve our goals.

3. SET SMART GOALS 

Specific – be as clear and specific as possible with what you want to achieve. The more narrow your goal is, the more you’ll understand the steps necessary to achieve it.

Example from “I want to save money” to “I want to save £1000”.

Measurable – you must be able to measure the progress and success of your goal. What evidence will prove that you’re making progress toward your goal?

Achievable – have you set an achievable goal? Do you have the resources available to achieve it?Setting goals you can reasonably accomplish within a certain timeframe will help keep you motivated and focused.

Relevant – ask yourself why the goal is important to you, how achieving it will help you and how it will contribute toward your long-term goals. Each of your goals should align with your values and your greater, long-term vision.

Time Bound – what is your goal time-frame? When do you want to achieve this goal? An end-date can help provide motivation and help you prioritise.

Example “I want to achieve this goal by 31st March 2021” 

4. SET MINI GOALS

Once you’ve set your main goal, break it down into monthly, weekly and daily mini goals! In other words, identify the steps you need to take and the habits you need to form to accomplish your main goal.

Bonus tips: setting specific daily habits will push you closer towards accomplishing your goals. For example, if one of your goals is to read 1 book a month, your daily habit might be to read a chapter a day. Or if you goals is to create a consistent morning quiet-time routine, one of your habits might be to wake up at 6am every morning. 

5. KEEP PUSHING FORWARD 

If you’re struggling to accomplish the goals you’ve set, don’t give up – keep pushing forward. Take time to reflect on what is and isn’t going well. This will give you insight into what you need to change going forward.