Goals for 2011 – have you set yours yet?

I’ve always been one for setting goals as a way to measure where I’m going and how I’m doing in life. I started this right after my first ever job interview when the interviewer asked me the typical question of “where do you want to be in 5 years…” I was 16 at the time and I had absolutely NO idea… I don’t recall what answer I gave, but it was enough to get me the job. In terms of goal setting I’ve always had 10 year goals and then shorter 1 year goals that will help me reach those 10 year goals. For example, when I was 20, I set the goal to own my own house by the time I was 30. A goal I’m pleased to say I achieved through loads of hard work before I reached 30. Now you don’t need to be telling everyone what those goals are as many of them are very personal, but you DO NEED to have those goals.

In the last few years however I’ve been lost a little in my goals. I’ve set goals that were not well defined, and lacked real clarity and as a result I’ve wandered a bit. in late 2009 I decided that my lack of clearly defined goals was a key reason for me not achieving many of the things I wanted to. I started 2010 with a 2 very clear goals. One of them business and the other personal. By late November this year, I’d been able to say that I’ve completed both of those goals. The goals you set might well be smaller ones on the way to the larger 10 year goal if that is what you want.

Some must do things around your goals need to be…

Clearly defined – don’t just say “I’m going to get fit or I’m going to earn lots of money” – say “I’m going to run the half marathon by December 31, 2011 or I’m going to save $40,000 by December 31, 2011”
Set timeframes – a goal without a timeframe is a wish – unlikely to be fulfilled – set a timeframe for it so you can figure out how to break it down into smaller pieces.
Something realistic – no point saying you want to run the half marathon if you are not even intending on getting fitter
WRITTEN DOWN – this helps reinforce where you are heading and gives you a clear non-wavering definition on what you want to achieve

A couple of quotes for you – that I’ve held true all my life.

“Shoot for the moon. If you miss you will be amongst the stars” – not sure who said this by my mother raised me with it and continues to say so today.

“Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda

“Know your limits, and never stop trying to push them further” – me

Now for 2011. I’m looking at both my 10 year goals (i.e. the ones I want to hit by the time I’m 50 – only 8 years away mind you but coming up fast) and also my 12 month goals for 2011. I’ve decided on two goals in mind – again, one personal and the other business related. I’ll report back next year on my progress.

So my question to you – have you set your goals for 2011 yet? If not why not? When will you set them or will you just let the world go whizzing by…