As we are wrapping up our year-end goals, we are also looking ahead to the new year and all the hope it brings for new milestones. The best way to make sure you

experience new milestones is to rock your goal-setting. For many of us that is easier said than done. Here are my 5 tips for goal-setting like a SWAN.

1. Dream

It may seem obvious, but dreaming doesn't always just happen. If you are struggling to dream, it may be that your schedule is too full. If that is the case, schedule a few hours (or even a few days) to spend in an inspirational environment away from the everyday hustle and distractions. I like to go to the lake. I look out at the vastness of water, and the power of the waves. I find it inspiring, and before I know it I start to visualize possibilities, and then I get excited for what’s next. Ask yourself, "what if I could . . .?" 

2. Record

It has been said that the difference between and dream and a goal is writing it down. That may be true, but it is more than a technicality. Writing my goals every Monday helps me start my work week with positivity. It calms the chaos in my head of all the things I could do and helps me focus on the right activities. Which directly impacts not only my success but also my life balance. Will you join me in writing their goals every week?

3. Plan

The difference between a dream and a goal is action. I start with a broad strokes plan and clearly defined milestones. Then I get really specific about the next couple of steps. You may not always be able to see every step until you round the next curve, but you can plan the very next one. When you struggle, make the next step so simple that you have no excuse not to do it. Once my next step was to pull a file, and I got it done, which started valuable momentum. 

4. Protect

If it is important enough to plan, it is important enough to protect. What do you do if you’ve time blocked and the client you’ve been trying to connect with for weeks calls? There is no right or wrong answer; you get to decide based on your priorities and your values. Do you let it go to voicemail and maintain your block, or do you answer and reschedule your block? If you plan for potential interruptions and distractions, you’ll be set up for success for real-life hits. How about you, will you design your protection plan for 2024 with intention?

5. Start

After all that dreaming and planning it can still be difficult to get started. But why? We may lie to ourselves and say we are too busy, or just procrastinating, but those are smokescreens to hide the fear we do not want to face. But as we grow, we learn to look fear in the eye and say, “Game On.” Even in the worst-case scenario of failure, we still benefit from the growth experience, and that growth leads to future success. The best way to overcome fear is to begin; set into the unknown where fear loses its power. With practice, fear will become an indication that you are about to do something amazing.

If you found this helpful, please email me and tell me about your goal-setting. I love hearing from you.