3 important questions to ask yourself before setting goals for this year

By Selina Fisher

The problem with goals, especially the ones we set in January, is that we set them based on the energy the new season brings. A fresh start or a clean page where we get to write our story. Who doesn't want to write the best story they can for the new year?

We pin all our hopes and dreams on this new month because we say to ourselves that "this year will be different". "This will be the year things change." We've all been there, me included, and I have certainly been swept up in the 'new year, new you' energy.

But then we go back to work, where things are still the same. We get busy, kids return to school, and all that energy and buzz slowly dissipates. And all we have left are these lofty goals we created with no clear plan to make them happen.

If you are setting goals, intentions or resolutions this year, here are three questions I ask my clients to ensure their goals align with their bigger life or career vision.

Question no.1: What is your vision for your life or career? 

This is a big question but an important one. Instead of thinking about this year, spend some time thinking about the next three, five or ten years. What do you want to create, be known for or experience?

Your vision will change as you change, so don't worry too much about getting it right. The idea is to think about the bigger picture so you can ensure your short-term goals get you closer to your vision instead of away from it. 

If you are struggling with this, here is a question you can reflect on. 

Imagine it is your 65th birthday, you are retired, and someone asks you to share your career highlights with them. What career highlights would you want to share

Question no. 2 - How will these goals bring you closer to your career (life) vision?

It is so easy to fall into the trap of setting new goals or resolutions because there is so much content about it this time of the year. 

But if you think about your career or life vision, will waking up at 5 am every day bring you closer to your goal? It might, but you want to make sure that you are not just waking up at five in the morning because it's what 'all successful' people do, especially if you are not a morning person.

Make a list of your goals and evaluate if these goals support your life vision. Then let go of the ones that don't add any value right now, so you can focus all your energy on what will make a difference.

Question no. 3: How will your career (life) be different when you've achieved this goal? 

In January, I started taking regular 15-second cold showers. I started this goal because I've seen a few talks on cold water therapy, and I thought it might be a great addition to my morning routine. 

It's been good, but I don't know if my life will be any different 12 months from now. Because I am not convinced, I have two choices. One is to do more research on cold water therapy to understand the impact, or option two is to let it go for now so that I can focus my energy on what will make a difference.

If you set a goal and cannot see how it will impact your life, there's a great chance you may not stick with it.

You want to get clear on how your career will be different if you invest in a communications course when you already have a degree in communications. Or how your health may improve if you invested in a gym membership this year. 

Look at your list of goals again and evaluate what the impact will be when you have accomplished that goal. Then let go of the goals, resolutions or intentions that don't support your career or life vision. 

January is a great month to ease into the year, try new habits to see if they work, test them, and let go of the ones that don't inspire you. 

It saves you the shame and disappointment later in the year when someone inevitably asks, "how are you tracking against your goals?" 

As Haemin Sunim says, "You are allowed to create your own destiny, free from the expectations of your parents and society." 

Here's to an incredibly successful year. You have everything within you to create the life and career you want. 

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