Message #74730

[msmarieh]

I don't think it is worthwhile to set goals unless you are going to have a procedure in place for following up on them. Just saying "I want to lose weight" or "I want to stop smoking" isn't enough. You've got to have some method of circling back regularly throughout the year to remind yourself of the goal, and ensure you are making regular progress.

Things don't usually happen 100% at a time. They happen 1% at a time. So if half the year has gone by and you have done nothing, it's not likely you'll magically do something on the very last day to make it happen.

That said, I almost always set goals, and I add a reminder on my calendar (usually quarterly, sometimes monthly depending on the goal) to evaluate my progress regularly and remind me of my efforts.

I set goals that are within my control. In particular I try to evaluate every year what areas I feel need improving or strengthening and then take steps to address those areas.