My focus for 2019 is about getting the right things done. I want to focus more, follow through, and act with purpose and conviction. So many times at this time of year, we gain a whirlwind of ambition as we begin to write down a plethora of goals that we intend to accomplish in the new year. I admit that I have been guilty of this in certain years and have then felt the guilt and conviction at the end of the year of having not achieved things that should have never made the initial list. It’s not the amount of goals that is important; it’s about focusing your time and energy on setting and achieving the right goals.
“Essentialism is not about how to get more things done; it’s about how to get the right things done. It doesn’t mean just doing less for the sake of less either. It is about making the wisest possible investment of your time and energy in order to operate at our highest point of contribution by doing only what is essential.”
Greg McKeown
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
As you consider and develop your goals for 2019, my encouragement to you is to think deeply about the most essential use of your time, talents, and treasure (or financial resources). Make sure that you only write down and commit to goals that you are passionate about achieving. Instead of committing to more goals, focus on fewer goals – the essential goals that will mean the most to you and will make the highest contribution to the community you lead and influence.
Here are some other tips to help you develop your goals:
- Create both achievement and habit-based goals.
- Consider all areas of your life (mental, physical, spiritual, emotional) and the roles you play in life (e.g. husband, wife, mother, father, athlete, student, business leader, etc.) when developing your goals.
- Create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic (but somewhat risky in terms of stretching yourself), and Time-based.
- List key reasons or motivations for why you want to accomplish your goals. You should have at least 2-3 motivations for each goal to make it essential for you to focus on this year.
- Refine the list of goals to be no more than 10 and ideally between 5-7 goals.
- Ensure that there is balance and flow between the goals. In other words, eliminate goals that will compete with each other for your time and attention preventing you from achieving them.
- Keep your goals visible and in front of you throughout the year. I store mine digitally in a special Evernote template so I can view it from any device that I have with me. I also print them out and have them in my journal and Full Focus Planner that I carry with me.
- Ensure that the way you invest your time on a daily and weekly basis ties to your goals. Time and tasks should connect to purpose and goals. Actions must align with aspirations.
- Find a person or small group that will keep you accountable to your goals throughout the year.
- Celebrate both progress towards and achievement of your goals. Remember, the journey is as important as the goal. Achieving your goals should grow you in the process.
- Develop a theme that summarizes your goals. A thoughtful theme can give purpose and focus for your year. For example, my theme for this year is: “Start Strong, Finish Strong.” Also, I have a theme verse of Psalms 37:23-24, that will help me stay focused on the right things and receive wisdom from God in the process.
Be purposeful and passionate in the new year! Challenge yourself to focus only on the “essential” in 2019! Don’t commit to things you may want to do. Be determined to accomplish the goals that will inspire and motivate you to become better, lead well, and maximize your potential and impact in the process! START STRONG, FINISH STRONG!
