July might seem like an odd month to be writing about goals. Maybe? I think July is equally as an important time for thinking about goals. Something about being midway through the year, makes me start thinking about what I want to accomplish again. Hence the post, mid-July about setting goals. Over the years I’ve learned a few tips for setting and keeping goals that have helped me.

When I was young the youth program I was in had us set out our goals every January. Except it was really just a list of things we would like to do. It didn’t take into account the three times of goals.

• Process Goals: 100% in our control.
• Performance Goals: Are mostly in our control.
• Outcome Goals: Often influenced by outside sources, as well as, our own actions.

A list is a good place to start, not the best place, however, to end. Each of these types of goals are needed in our goals setting. They work together to build in a linear fashion: process then Performance finally Outcome.

Don’t throw out that list just yet, however. A good place to start with goals is a brain dump. What do you want, for work, for your relationships, for yourself. Now you’ve got it all down, set it aside. Go for a walk, make some tea, then come back.

Next break it down. How are you going to get to that goal? Set your action steps. Make them reasonable and doable

Now it’s doable, ask the question. What can you accomplish in six months? What a can you accomplish in a year? Five? Ten? Once I’ve arrived at a reasonable amount of time to accomplish that goal. I set the date. To me, a goal without a timeline is ephemera floating in the ether.

Some people can stop there. I, however, go a step further. An accountability partner. Speaking my goals, with my plan, make it real. They’re no longer scribbles on paper, but real tangible things.

However, I don’t recommend shouting your goals to everyone around you. Choose someone(s) that you trust, and equally as important, someone that will give you the kind of nudge you need. These tips for keeping and setting goals got me through grad school, and into career I love. Drop your tips in the comments, and if you don’t mind some shameless self promotion.

Check out the digital journals I make, including goal setting pages!