It is that time of year when many people are in the season of goal-setting and resetting, and this time can bring up a lot of mixed emotions. There’s probably some excitement about the chance to reset, anxiety around choosing new goals—especially if you didn’t meet the previous goals you set—or even jaded thoughts about the hype surrounding annual goal setting. 

I can relate to a combination of all those emotions because I’ve had some version of them throughout my years of goal-setting. However, while time is both measurable and an illusion, the markers of a day, week, month, and year can act as gentle reminders and signposts to check in on the extent to which we are living in alignment with our goals and vision for our lives. 

So, that’s where we are going this start today: examining our steps (actions) and getting clarity on what we want our lives to reflect (our vision). 

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time…” Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

Starting with Clarity and Vision

Goal setting, reflection, and action planning are important personal and professional practices we should all engage in regularly. They support us in regaining clarity and vision, a precursor to aligning our actions with a strong vision. This regular practice can be life-changing. 

Here are five questions you can work through today to begin getting clarity on your goals: 

1. What do I want? 

2. Why do I want what I want? 

3. Where am I in relation to what I want? 

4. What will it take to get there? 

5. What actions can I start with today? 

What do I want? 

Write the vision. A vision is important and acts as a guiding light and guardrail. It will help you determine when to say yes and no to yourself and others. 

Since no one is watching you do this exercise, and we cannot hear your thoughts, I dare you to dream big here. Go back and think about the goals and dreams you let go of and the ones you think are too out of reach. I also want you to think about the small goals and all the little things and people that bring you joy. 

Take a moment and define what your ideal life would look like.

• What does your ideal life look like in the next 1, 3, or 5 years? Who is in it? What are you doing? What does success look like? Write this for your personal, professional, financial, and spiritual goals.
• What types of people and experiences do you want in your life that align with your principles and values? 
• What is the opposite of your vision? What do you NOT want for your life?

Why do I want what I want? 

The goal is to live a life of truth, love, and purpose, well at least that’s my belief. However, you might have a different belief, and that’s OK; everyone has to get clear on the light that guides them. The important part here is to take time to examine your intentions and to develop a strong WHY.

• Why are these goals your goals? Are they on your list because you want it or because society keeps telling you to want it?
• Will achieving these goals bring you closer to your values and purpose?
• How will these goals benefit you, your family, and others?

Before you move on, write down why these goals are important to you. A strong “why” will keep you anchored and serve as a compass when things get tough.

“… And with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬)

Where am I in relation to what I want? 

This step is not intended to get you discouraged about the distance you are between the life you want to live and your current state. Your honesty with yourself at this stage is important because it will help you gain clarity about specific actions and strategies you need to help you make progress.

Figuratively, if you’re not ready to lift 100 pounds, trying to lift that tomorrow will leave you injured and disappointed. However, you can lift 20 pounds, so be consistent and build your way up.

Clarity of your starting point will help you craft smarter action steps. So, what’s your starting point?

• Assess your strengths, weaknesses, resources, and obstacles.
• Write down what’s working and what isn’t in your current approach.
• Audit your current habits—what’s helping you and what’s holding you back?

What will it take to get there? 

Now that you know where you want to go, it’s time to start getting clear about the actions you will need to get there. When doing this step, try to keep a positive outlook because it can feel daunting. Instead, imagine the possibility if you do these actions consistently. Think about your vision and ideal life and let that inspire you. 

• Identify actions that will be important for reaching your goals.
• Write down some non-negotiable actions and flexible actions. Give yourself options and variety, but try to have them all lead to some type of measurable progress. 
• What distractions or obligations can you let go of to focus on what’s important to you? 

It will also take cultivating and continually renewing your mindset to stay centered on what you’ve identified as important. Therefore…

• Consider practices you can embed in your routines to maintain mindfulness, balance, gratitude, and self-compassion.
• Practice replacing limiting beliefs with empowering ones.
• Think about challenges with a growth mindset: viewing challenges as opportunities. 
• Connect with your spiritual or devotional practices to ground yourself.

What actions can I start with today?

Getting clarity on what you want and don’t want in this life can help you define when you need to say yes and when you need to say no. It can also help determine what and how you spend your time. Where do you need more clarity in your life?

After you’ve done the steps above, here are some actions you can start with this week:

• Break your goals into smaller, actionable steps and identify when you are going to do them this week. Add them to your calendar or planner.
• Create a daily or weekly schedule to stay on track.
• Mitigate challenges and distractions by identifying 1-2 things or people you might have to say NO to this week to focus on your actions.