Goal Setting for 2017

There are endless blog post, products and YouTube videos that all encourage you to try their version of goal setting. I feel like I’ve tried a variety of different techniques, but nothing’s stuck.

As I dive into my second year of business, I decided it’s time to get serious about goal setting and long term planning. My biz besties and I have been talking about the latest goal setting workshops, challenges and products over the last few months. Between the four of us, I think we have tried and/or ordered every single product out there! This has brought me to the conclusion that …

THERE IS NO ‘RIGHT WAY’ TO SET GOALS

Let me say it again, there is no ‘right way’ to set goals. The important thing is to set measurable goals and make sure you hold yourself accountable.

It took me a long time to get goals on paper because the task seemed so daunting. What helped me get started was looking back over 2016 and writing down the highs and lows. I didn’t just want to focus on the struggles of 2016 because I had a lot of wins too.

Once I had those pieces mapped out, it made it easier for me to figure out my goals for 2017.

Goal Setting Tools for 2017

Now, I’m still tweaking and breaking my goals down into bit size pieces, but I didn’t do it without the help of a goal setting tool or two. Here are a few popular ones you might want to check out:

• 2017 PowerSheets Collection (affiliate link) by Lara Casey (Now through the end of the year, get 15% off with code THANKYOUFRIENDS)
• Conquer Your Year by Natalie MacNeil
• Your Best Year Yet by Lisa Jacobs
• Planathon and Fresh Start Workbook by Amber McCue
• Your Ideal Year course by Meg Biram

TOOLS I’M USING

I started my 2017 goal setting journey in mid-November during Amber McCue’s Planathon. Unfortunately, Planathon is now over, but if you missed it, the Facebook group is a great place to go for inspiration. Through my Planathon work, I’ve been able to sketch out my overarching goals.

Now I’m going to start working on Lara Casey’s amazing PowerSheets. They are not for everyone, but if you haven’t tried them, be sure to check them out! PowerSheets walks you through a process that Lara and her team have honed over the years. You start by checking in with yourself and then review 2016. From there, you determine your goals – life and business – for 2017. 

Photo via Cultivate What Matters

PowerSheets makes goal setting fun and approachable. If you are looking for some guidance, don’t miss Reina of Reina + Co’s Facebook Live on Dec. 13 at 3pm EST. She will walk you through how she uses her PowerSheets. And on Wednesday, Dec. 14, Lara is hosting a PowerSheets Prep webinar to get you started on the right foot.

[bctt tweet=”There is no ‘right way’ to set goals.” username=”katiewilliamsen”]

Because goal setting doesn’t stop with my business, I also ordered the Companion Goal Guide for Couples. I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I ordered it, but I’m so happy I did. Chad and I went on a goal setting date over the weekend to get started on the process. It was refreshing reflecting on 2016 together and discussing what we are looking forward to in the future. If you have a significant other, I highly recommend ordering a copy of the Couples Guide. It is not necessary for your partner to be using PowerSheets, as long as you are.

GOAL SETTING ACCOUNTABILITY

If you’re anything like me, you might think it’s easy to set all of these big lofty goals at the end of the year and never look at them again, but that is why accountability is so important. To help me stick to my 2017 goals, I have an accountability partner and I’ve joined Nicole Hoglund’s Honest Action Mastermind group.

No matter what tool you use, having a monthly accountability check in with a biz bestie, your partner or a mastermind group is essential to helping you meet your goals. Writing them down is a great first step, but making sure you are taking action will ensure you start meeting your goals!

How are you setting goals for 2017? How are you going to hold yourself accountable to your goals?