It’s a great life coaching question to ask yourself. What does the next 365 days hold for you? Well we aren’t fortune tellers, so it’s not an easy question to answer. The reason for thinking about this scenario is to plan your future. You are in charge of your life and your destiny.
One of my favourite all-time quotes is from an American Reverend, Thomas S. Monson. “The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live it.”
We can all plan for our future and we have full control of our thinking, beliefs and goals. It is essential to do think ahead to have a sense of direction. Without direction, we drift aimlessly with no purpose or connection to our values. To set a goal, first consider what is most important to you.
What needs boosting in your life?
It is best to make a balanced mixture of goals and here are a few areas within the “wheel of life”:
- Career, Health, Relationships, Finances, Personal Growth, Fun & Recreation
When you set a goal it must be worthwhile, realistic and align to your values. For example, if you have not had a holiday in say three years and you are feeling flat and bored, you may choose to boost your fun and recreation area. First answer a few short questions to help the goal setting process:
- Where is your present?
- Where is your future?
- What is the compelling reason for achieving this goal?
- What will you get from reaching this goal?
- When do you want to achieve your goal?
- How far into the future do you think this will be?
Each goal you write should have a timeframe and it must be positively stated. I recommend using the words “I am” or “I have”. The goal you set could be something like “I am visiting Canada on a relaxing 6-week holiday in April 2020”.
When you have this goal, write it down on paper and then start turning it into some action items. These can include activities such as budgeting and saving money, researching destinations, booking leave and meeting with a travel agent.
Do you need an accountability partner?
Be proactive about your next 12 months, marshal your resources and make an action plan. Start from the goal and work backwards to draw up your action plan and priorities. It does not have to be large, even one step per month is more than enough. If you feel you need a coach to help drive your action plan, then seek out assistance. Coaching is a partnership and while clients are responsible for their own results, a coach is your supporter, motivated and personal cheerleader.
Setting goals is the way to take charge of your life. The opposite of goal setting is problem-thinking. This focuses on what is wrong. As a coach I help you to explore the present and design the future. Remember one year from now means growth, change and a journey into some new and exciting. Go for it!