At the top of the year, I write down my goals. Then I take that list and break it down into goals for the quarter. Then I take that list and break it down into goals for the month. And then take that list into weekly goals. And then you guessed it; I’d make a daily list. No joke.
You’d think that with all these lists, I’d be the most organized and efficient person ever. Wrong! I still feel disorganized and unsure where to focus my energy. So I created a worksheet that would help me channel several lists into an easy-to-do one sheet.
I learned about setting S.M.A.R.T goals a few years ago and it really is an effective way to tackle goals. My worksheet takes the specificity of S.M.A.R.T and adds emotional support components to help keep us motivated and breakdown barriers that can sometimes keep us derailed from achieving our goals.
How to use the worksheet:
Write down your overarching goal followed by your motivation and reason why you’d like to achieve it. Finding your inspiration and reason will give you the incentive to keep pushing when you feel like giving up.
Next, write down all of the specific ways in which you can achieve your goal. For example, if your goal is to save $5000, you can achieve the goal by reducing discretionary spending or increasing your income. Based on this list, you’ll want to jot down the metrics of evaluating and measuring your goals’ progress. Saving $415/month would be a metric to jot.
My favorite part of the worksheet is the section in which you will identify the self-sabotaging mindset that could derail you from achieving your goal. When working on your goals, I find that the most challenging obstacles we face are the ones we battle in mind. Next to each limited belief, list an affirming truth. Keeping a positive mindset is imperative while on your journey.
The last section allows you to break down your goal into action steps with a due date and a to-do list. This section will enable you to take your ideas listed in the “How Can My Goal Be Achieved” section and expound on them.
I know first hand the desire to achieve something but do not know where to start. Hopefully, by having this worksheet, it will allow you to channel your focus so that achieving your goals can go as smoothly as possible.
Download your copy below.