Organize and Prioritize in 2021

As we look to the new year with our resolutions written, goals set and dreams looming, it is important to set yourself up for success to achieve these.

If you plan to just hope and wish your goals to come true, you may be sorely disappointed. Using organization and prioritization, you can give your personal and business goals a realistic chance of success. We have outlined some of the best methods to get you or your business ready for all 2021 has to offer.

Limit your resolutions
It may sound counterintuitive, but having too many goals, challenges, or resolutions can keep you from achieving any. Spreading yourself too thin will only allow you to scratch the surface rather than go all-in with the goals you have set. Remember to make SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based.

Make a plan
Once your goal is set, make a plan on how you will achieve it. Beginning with the end in mind will allow you to work backwards using a realistic timeline and step-by-step guide. Make sure to create a list of any supplies, tools, or other items that are essential in your achieving your goal.

Learn from your mistakes
Recall this time last year. Did you set goals for yourself? Did you achieve them? If you did, what steps worked well for you? If not, what kept your from meeting those goals? Evaluating last year in terms of what you did well and where you can improve will allow you to set better goals and processes moving forward.

Write it down
You are 70% more likely to achieve your goal if you write it down. We suggest keeping a document or a journal with your goals as well as your plan to achieve them. This will also be a great place to track your progress, reassess your plan, and outline your strategies.

Ask for help
You do not have to achieve your goals all by yourself. Ask your friends, coworkers, or mentors to hold you accountable. Ask someone who has a similar goal to work together so you both can achieve it.

Find wins and create rewards
One of the best ways to achieve your goal is to reward progress. As you outline your plan, create checkpoints or rewards along the way to pat yourself on the back for your progress. These will entice you to keep going until you have achieved your big goal. These can be tangible rewards (eating out at your favorite restaurant, buying a new piece of clothing, etc.) or something small like watching your favorite movie, going over to celebrate with a friend, etc.