I’m a chronic procrastinator, but I find that this time of year –that lull between Christmas and New Year’s– very inspiring to finally sit down and set some goals  for next year.  I’ve written about this before but now we are not just looking at a new year, but a new DECADE.  It feels more important.

So what’s new in goal setting?  If you were to google “setting new goals for 2020”, you’d get results ranging from a blogger posting “20 for 2020: achieve your goals for an amazing year“, to a writer for Forbes advising “Make 3 goals in 2020 –no more no less” and lots more in between.

So I’ve read all these you don’t have to and I found the Forbes approach most helpful.  Here’s why:

Simplicity. There’s something very attractive about keeping things simple.  Maybe it’s all the talk about minimalism and decluttering, but having just a handful of goals that you can remember on the spot without having to look at a list, feels more compelling.  Like you are carrying them with you, they are part of what and who you want to become.  This presence of mind informs your daily choices.  For example if you always look for the parking spot closest to the store (don’t we all?), when your goal is overall wellness you won’t mind parking at the far end.

Taking “can’t-fail baby-steps”.  This method takes into account our limited bandwidth.  We can’t do everything, we have limited time and energy.  Yet, change is incremental, so if you focus on tiny steps, (I’m going to put on my walking shoes and only stretch) that are totally doable, you are more likely to succeed and build on them.  After a month of walking-shoes-and-stretching you’re going to want to take that 5 min walk after all.

You can always add more goals later.  So what if your goals were achievable in only six months? does that mean it was too easy or you’re going to sit on your laurels?   No, it means you accomplished something that would’ve probably never happened. So celebrate it and set the next goal.

Hope these help to put you in the goal-setting spirit.  Wishing you the very best for 2020!

©Copyright Eva Del Rio

Eva Del Rio is creator of HR Box™ – tools for small businesses and startups. Send questions to Eva@evadelrio.com