drhelvig
In this 4-Part series on crushing your Goal-Setting for the year, we will explore how to set yourself up for success in 2023! In Part 1: We looked at how to create realistic annual goals. From there, we looked at how to break those huge goals down into monthly goals in Part 2. This week, we will look at how to create weekly goals from the monthly ones.
The weekly calendar picture posted above is one of many formats available for planning. Whether you are a paper or digital person as far as your calendar, research has repeatedly shown that people are more likely to do something if it’s in their calendar. Whether it’s an exercise session, writing that novel, or meditation time, the key to making it happen is to block out that time in your weekly calendar. People enter their work meetings and client appointments in their calendar all the time … and guess what? You typically show up for those appointments and meetings because it’s part of your job description. Imagine what you could do if you apply that same principle to your own personal and professional goals!
Here’s an example using a career-related goal. For example, if your overall annual goal is to find a new job this year, and have decided that the first monthly goal is to start applying for similar jobs, then your weekly goal may be to revise your resume and write a cover letter. Rather than wait for inspiration to strike or find some extra free time (who has that?!), write down a block of time in your calendar and call it “Resume Revision” time or “Cover letter” time. Be very specific for what the time is going to be used for.
Next, we’ll look at a health or fitness goal. If you want to start exercising twice per week, put a 1-hour block on your calendar for Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm and label it (go for a run, yoga class, Orange Theory, etc.) You are WAY more likely to do something if it’s written in your calendar. Some of my clients have jobs where they cannot commit to the same blocks of time each week, such as several of my clients who are doctors and have different on-call schedules each week. If this applies to you, the key is just sitting down each week to decide the times for that specific week. You can use this principle with any habit you want to form, from meditating to expanding your social connections. I had one client commit to try a different MeetUp group each week until he found a social group he liked.
For a longer project or goal, such as starting a business, running a marathon, or writing a book, think about a specific weekly goal that would be a logical step for you. This could be something like forming an LLC, joining a running group, designing a website, writing a book outline, etc. Then put those things on your calendar into a specific time block.
If you do this every single week, you will be amazed at how all the little steps you take add up into bigger goals! All it takes is small but consistent progress to reach your goals. Your calendar is a great tool to help organize yourself while also holding yourself accountable. I personally take 10 minutes every Sunday to sit down with my calendar (I’m an old school paper and pen girl), and decide my goals for the week. Take a few minutes and decide what your weekly goals will be (I recommend no more than 2 major goals per week), and then … get it on your calendar! Have a great week and in the last post next week (Part 4 of 4), I will go over the best practice for getting your daily to-do list done!
Want more help? Schedule a free online consultation here or email drkristi@mindfulcareercoaching.com to ask about a coaching package and get on track to have your best year ever!