Goal setting is a powerful tool for creating change and moving forward in life, but it’s important to start with the right foundation. If you're new to setting intentional goals or want to refresh your approach, it helps to start with reflection before you dive into planning for the future.
Daisy Moore, founder of journl. and a seasoned Life Coach, takes us through the process of setting meaningful goals. With a passion for helping others gain clarity and focus, Daisy believes that journaling is a powerful tool for reflection and goal-setting. By using journaling to set goals, you can break free from external pressures and focus on what truly aligns with your personal growth and desires.
First we start with reflection
You wouldn’t go for a run without stretching (I hope), or start cooking without pre heating the oven. Reflection is a key first step in our goal setting process. First we look back on the year that’s been to really ground into the lessons we have learnt so we are not destined to learn them again and again. We realise what is really important to us, our unique needs and motivation.
Get out your journal and spend time answering these questions:
- What brought you the most joy this year: consider moments big and small, activities, achievements and relationships that brought you joy. You might need to look through your camera roll to jog your memory of the year that’s been.
- What did you learn about yourself this year? Without judgement or criticism what did you learn this year? What did you learn about your habits, how you work best, what motivates you, where you got stuck, what you found surprising, your emotions and patterns.
- What are you most proud of?
- Where did you spend most of your time and energy?
Then we work out what is truly important to you:
There are a few rules of goal setting.
1. Your Goals Must Be Yours
It’s easy to fall into the trap of setting goals based on what society, culture, or even your friends and family expect of you. We feel at certain ages we need to complete certain tasks. It's a fallacy. This year, let go of the “shoulds” and embrace what’s true for you.
2. Stay in Your Own Lane
Life isn’t a race, so there’s no need to compare your journey to others. When you focus on where others are, it’s like playing a game of snakes and ladders with no clear rules - it’s a waste of energy. Put on your blinkers, stay in your lane, and focus on your next step. Your journey is unique with its own destination and timeline.
Answer these questions:
Notice this as you are answering these questions where you feel the urge to answer a question “correctly” instead of authentically. Be curious about this,
- What do you truly desire?
- What season of life are you currently in?
- Where would you choose to invest your time, energy and resources, if you let go of fear and external expectations?
- What commitments (physical and energetic) can I let go of to create space for my aligned goals?
Set our goals
There are two main types of goals: achievement goals and continuous goals. Achievement goals, as you may have guessed have a clear milestone - like a date, or completing something specific like a half marathon.
Continuous goals are those that have no clear end date. They are ways of being, our daily / weekly habits. These seemingly small actions create our long term success. They are the foundations to our life.
- What are your achievement goals?
- What are 3 healthy habits you want to commit to?
By journaling through these steps, you’ll not only set clear and purposeful goals for the year ahead but also create a lasting habit of self-reflection that will keep you aligned and grounded in your journey.
Want to learn more from Daisy Moore? Visit Tips for Journaling Beginners blog. Plus, if you’re looking for a way to track your progress, don’t forget to download Daisy Moore's FREE Habit Tracker. It’s a great tool to keep yourself on track as you work toward your goals!
Happy journaling, and here’s to a year of clear intentions and growth!
