A new year has arrived! The year 2020 was challenging for a great many people for a great many reasons. While many of us started out with goals, both personal and professional, those goals may have been set aside in the midst of social and political unrest and an all-consuming global pandemic.
Are you ready to start fresh in 2021? Practice the 4 steps below to work toward your objectives and transform your life.
1) Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals: The first step toward personal growth is knowing how you want to grow. The more clarity you give your goals, the greater likelihood you will achieve them. Use the chart below to set your sights on something great for 2021. Your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time Bound.
2) Seek Balance: There are 6 major areas of life: Family, Career, Health, Social, Spiritual, and Financial. Achieving balance among these areas can lead to greater success and happiness. For example, someone may be excellent in their career and in the social arena but may suffer from poor health. Another person may be healthy and satisfied with their family life but struggling with their career. Evaluate these areas in your own life and notice any deficits. As you set your goals for 2021, think about in what areas you may want greater efficacy..
3) Build Momentum With the “Slight Edge”: In the Olympics, the difference between best in the world and obscurity can come down to milliseconds. A slight edge separates the champions from the “also rans.” You can develop your own slight edge with consistent activity. Before you go to sleep, think of the 6 most important things you want to accomplish the next day. Write them down. When you wake up, start working on your list.
4) Keep Learning: Regardless of your specific goals for the year, continuous learning has been proven time and again to enrich individual well-being. Especially in today’s fast-paced world, with constant change and innovation, continuous learning can mean the difference between surviving and thriving. Read a book. Take a course. Earn a badge. Learn something new.
