Hello, fellow planners! As 2024 comes to a close, I've found that setting and tracking goals in my planner has been transformative. In 2025, goal tracking is more popular than ever, with various frameworks helping us stay on course. Let’s explore the advantages of goal setting, review some popular frameworks, and discover resources to enhance your planning journey.
Why Set Goals?
Well, setting goals provides direction and purpose. We all need that. It helps us focus on what truly matters and motivates us to take actionable steps toward our dreams. Regularly reviewing progress keeps us accountable and allows for adjustments, ensuring we remain aligned with our objectives.
Popular Goal-Setting Frameworks
1. SMART Goals: This framework encourages setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. It ensures clarity and feasibility in goal-setting.This is what the schools teach as the best way to set goals.
2. Eisenhower Matrix: This method helps prioritize tasks by urgency and importance, allowing you to focus on what truly matters while minimizing distractions. I have used this method several times but for bigger goals I find it is a bit simplistic.
3. OKRs (Objectives and Key Results): Widely used in business settings, OKRs help align personal goals with broader objectives by defining clear outcomes and measurable results. This is my kind of goal setting. Take the big goals,break it into chunks, map out the tasks for each chunk in your schedule and before you know it you'll be completing your goals. I like to think in terms of chocolate. You know those Hershey's bars that break into little rectangles? Ok, imagine the big box the store recieves. That is your big goals. Feel free to buy one of those boxes if you are a hands on learner....just a suggestion. Now you go to your table, open the box and take out the chocolate. You are not going to sit there and eat all the bars at once I hope. You would likely choose one bar and unwrap it further. That is like setting up the chunks that will achieve your goal. Once you break that thing into the individual rectangles....well that is like your tasks. You can rush through all the rectangles just as fast as possible, or you can take your time and enjoy each piece. How will you eat your Hershey's bar?
4.WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan): Admit it, if you are gen x you are singing "Whoop there it is, whoop there it is". This strategy focuses on visualizing the desired outcome, identifying potential obstacles, and creating a concrete plan to overcome them. Be realistic, there will be obstacles. You can overcome them if you work out a solution ahead of time.
5. Bullet Journal Method: A flexible system that combines task management with goal tracking through rapid logging and migration techniques.
I have to admit watching copius amounts of bullet journallers on youtube is a guilty pleasure of mine. That being said I have started and dropped this method several times. To those of you who prevail, you have my deepest respect.
Advantages of Goal Tracking
Clarity: Clearly defined goals provide a roadmap for success.
Motivation: Seeing progress boosts motivation and encourages continued effort.
Accountability: Regular reviews help maintain focus and accountability.
Flexibility: Allows for adjustments based on progress and changing priorities.
Resources for Goal Planning
Cultivate What Matters PowerSheets: Offers a guided system for setting and tracking goals with thoughtful prompts. I suggest doing your research on this one as it is very involved. If your goal is to sock away enough money for a vacation next year I think you may be overshooting a bit.
Jane’s Agenda Inserts: Provides customizable planner inserts designed for goal setting. They have lots of other pretty things you could look at while you are there. My favourite cover is from Jane's Agenda. They also have a very active community that you might really enjoy.
Etsy Shops: Discover unique goal-tracking inserts from small businesses like "The Mindful Hookup."
Blogs for Further Reading
Cultivate What Matters Blog: Offers insights into effective goal-setting strategies.
Bullet Journal Blog: Provides tips on using the bullet journal method for goal tracking.
By integrating these frameworks into your planner, you can transform your approach to achieving your dreams. Remember, the key is consistency—regularly review your goals to stay motivated and make necessary adjustments. A bit of chocolate as a reward never hurts either. Happy planning!
