If you’re anything like me, you are thinking we are halfway through the second month of 2017 and have yet to accomplish or work on the goals set for this year. Recently I was introduced to the notion of having three word goals. I was talking to my friend as he spewed out 20 to 30 of his 50 three word goals that he had written out for himself since the beginning of college. There was something about the simplicity and thought process behind it that attracted me.
To give an example, two of his goals were “Skydiving with Grandma” and “Do the work.” “Skydiving with Grandma” is to the point and a very surface level goal. However, “Do the work” held a whole other level of meaning that meant something specific to him but nonetheless was a goal written for completion.
I challenge you to sit down and think of any three words that will guide you in the choices you intend to make for 2017. It isn’t too late, I promise! They should be words that challenge your to radicate your 2017. They should be words that help you guide your motives and actions. Here are some steps.
1. Pick an overarching goal for 2017
My overarching goal for 2017 is IMPROVE. This is a generic and vague word but to me I have a clear image of what that means to me-find a word that includes all of your motivations for this specific year and make it your overarching goal. Avoid general words that do not have a clear purpose or vision behind it, i.e. “thrive.” Thrive is a perfect word, but if you don’t have steps to follow through with your plan to “thrive,” then it’s just a verb.
2. Choose three words for 2017
READ. BELIEVE. DO. These are 3 words I have set for myself in 2017. READ more books and texts of concepts and skills that I can either improve on or learn about. BELIEVE I have the skills and knowledge to be succesful and happy this year. DO more instead of planning. Now its your turn: what three words will help you accomplish your overarching goal for 2017?
3. Track your progress
ACCOUNTABILITY. Being accountable to something means that you’re willing to make commitments and be responsible for your own actions. This is essential for the simple reason that you want to know if what you are doing is actually helping you accomplish your goals. It is also nice to see how far you have come and praise yourself for all your achievements. You ARE amazing and every step forward is worth celebrating. If you are struggling with keeping yourself accountable include a trusted friend or family member on your plans and allow them to keep you on track.
4. Share your experiences
We all learn from one another at the end of the day. Whether you want to make a blog, journal, small group or casual conversation, make sure you are sharing your experiences. Chances are you are not the first person that has tried to be more punctual or more motivated or organized-read and share about experiences so that you are not only enriching yourself but those around you.
Every year rolls around without doubt and at the end of every year we are shocked by how fast the year went and all the things we accomplished and didn’t accomplish. Let 2017 be the year that ends with joy and content and hopefully new aspirations and little regrets.