January typically marks a time for both individuals and organisations to re-assess their performance and both personal and professional goals in order to reach the potential that they know that they can. But does this have to be the case? Realistically this is something that we should be doing all of the time. Therefore, what do you want to achieve, and how do you translate this into action?
Here are some pointers to help you:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3654wLSG5y-zWXHzqQ2H1ZyLRWGA6PZayvtAPH3P-WSKQ9jLLmMKxiwXXUCX2-sSxp9hPQiWRio3i-hpng_XdvkEBP5wPd-8lXa5CSIy9drGeGpi1LbFOt3207DVa_NKw-zx4rclOwO3H/s1600/TCTArrghA.jpg)
- What are your goals for (either personal or work-based)? - write them down.
- Are these SMART (Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely)?
- Get to 15 minute task level – what are all the things you need to do in order to achieve your goal, we recommend using sticky notes in order to gather these tasks and then sort them into some kind of order and keeping the tasks to around 15 minutes in length to help make them achieveable.
- To achieve these goals, what do you need to do each month? Write a monthly to do list including what you need to do to achieve these goals, along with other regular tasks you know you will also have to complete this month.
- Translate the tasks onto a weekly plan of what you need to complete each week - be specific and break things down into manageable chunks - including the regular tasks you need to complete. Plan which day you will complete each element - be realistic about when you will actually be able to complete things.
- Write your to do list for each day - be realistic and only list things you have the ability to complete (this reduces the negativity associated with not crossing things off). Be specific and break things down to a full list of tasks, not just 'complete project x'.
- Try to include specific Project tasks on a regular basis, using your 15 minute tasks to take action without taking up too much time
- Build the habit – it takes time to build a habit, force yourself to complete several tasks a week and in time you will find yourself completing them without even thinking about it
- Review your progress regularly, assessing your daily to do list each day and planning the next day - challenge where you are procrastinating and force yourself to break your ineffective habits through repeating your planning and review each day. Review your weekly and monthly goals periodically to ensure you are meeting them too.
- Ask others to help you - ask line managers, colleagues and friends to support and encourage you to achieve these goals and form new, productive habits.
Fresh Learning offers a range of training and
support with delivering excellence in Time Management and goal setting. If you
would like to contact send us a message using the contact form on the
right-hand side of this post.