This spring I read two books, High Impact Learning & The Six Disciplines of Breakthrough Learning, for a training and development class. One of the things that both of these books had in common is that any training goals used for an organization should be based on the vision and mission of the organization. Any goals not based on this are futile to the organization and a waste of resources. So as I consider the new year, I reflected back on these books and how this same philosophy should be considered when setting New Year’s goals.

Determine Your Mission/Vision

If you don’t know where you are going, it it hard to know how to get there.  In other words, before setting new year’s goals you have to determine your mission. I think that Stephen Covey/Franklin Planner has a great tool for creating a mission statement. Developing a mission statement helps you to define your core values. It is easier to see your true mission in life.

Consider Goals Amazing For You

Now that you know visualize your core values and mission it will be much easier to begin setting new year’s goals. If a goal doesn’t reflect your values and mission then it is a waste of your resources (time, money, energy). Perhaps this sounds harsh as you have considered some pretty amazing goals for the new year. The reality is that the goal itself may be amazing, but if it doesn’t reflect your values and mission then it isn’t amazing for you.

(Ready), (Set), those New Year’s (Go)als!

Now that you know the litmus in which to measure your goals, you are ready to get started.  This process should help you stay focused on that which is most important.  Set aside some quiet time to sit down and write out your goals. Don’t go overboard, remember to be realistic in how much you can accomplish.  You can always add more goals at each quarter or mid-year. Keep your goals short and simple.