What to Expect for 2008?

Today is 2nd January 2008. A new year has begun. A new year marks a new beginning. This new beginning does not mean that all that had happened in 2007 are washed away; our lives carry on - for most of us, we do carry things into the new year because life is a continuation. Some of our challenges in 2007 are brought forward to 2008. Nevertheless, one can "reset" his mental clock and look upon the new year as a new starting ground by learning from past mistakes and adopting a new spirit to approach life with purpose, zeal and hope.

This is the time of the year where I am taking time to reflect upon what had transpired in my life the previous year and to plan for 2008. I believe one cannot plan effective for the new year without reflecting upon the previous year. Questions I ask myself:

1. What had I achieved for 2007?
2. What were my goals for 2007 and did I achieve them?
3. What were my unachieved goals and failures? Why? (poor time planning? procrastination? lack of discipline and commitment?)
4. What can I learn from my mistakes in 2007? (This will prepare me not to make the same mistakes again in 2008!)
5. What are my goals for 2008?

Making S.M.A.R.T.E.R. Goals!

• Specific - A specific goal has a greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal. If one of your goals is to lose weight, a specific goal will be "I want to lose 20 lbs by June 2008" rather than "I want to lose weight in 2008".

• Measurable - Set concrete criteria for your goal. Ask yourself - How much? How many? By which date?

• Action Plan - Divide your final goal into smaller and easily attainable ones which can be achieved within the specified time frame. Decide what you need to do on a daily, weekly or monthly basis in order to attain your final goal. For example, if you want to lose 20 lbs by June 2008, your action plan could be losing 3.4 lbs monthly, starting from January 2008; Jogging for 30 minutes 3 times weekly and heading for gym 2 times weekly.
  

• Realistic - Am I able to stick to my action plan and achieve my goal? Do I need to scale down my goal and subsequently my action plan? Do I need a longer time frame (if allowable)? For example, losing 20 lbs by December 2008 instead?

• Time Conscious - Always remember to tag a time to your goal. With a deadline, you will feel a sense of urgency that will motivate you to work on your goal.
  

• Expectation Management - Be flexible to adjust your action plan. New demands and unexpected events may occur in your life. Be flexible to re-adjust your priorities from time to time. Remember not to deceive yourself by succumbing to your flesh!
  

• Revelation - The bible says in Proverbs 16:1, "We may make our plans, but God has the last word". Seek God for his guidance as you set your goals for the new year. Hear from Him as He directs your path.

How can 2008 be a great year for you and I?

Start putting aside time this month to set goals for 2008! Don't just merely think about them! Write them down as you apply the S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goal-setting technique! Studies has shown that you are more likely to achieve your goals by writing them down!

Write your goals down and follow through your action plans with discipline! Start today and may 2008 be your masterpiece!

=> Click here for goal-setting card


Some inspiring quotes:

• "Successful people make right decisions early and manage those decisions daily." - John C. Maxwell

• "You will never change your life until you change something you do today." - John C. Maxwell

• "One today is worth two tomorrows; what I am to be, I am now becoming." - Benjamin Franklin

• "Good Decisions + Daily Discipline = A Masterpiece of Potential" - John C. Maxwell

My recommended book for your reading: