A Feelings Based Goal Setting Practice

How do you want to feel at the end of the year?
Why do you want to feel this way?
What actions could you take to fuel this feeling?
What support systems do you need in place?

Many of us are setting goals this month without reflecting on how we want to feel when we achieve them. We are not clear on why we are setting these goals in the first place. It might be time to reflect on whether or not you truly want to achieve these things or if you just think you should. Is society dictating your goals or are you? Perhaps a more powerful practice would be to tap into a feeling this year.

Sample Exercise:
Feeling: I want to feel more freedom at the end of the year.
Why: My schedule has no blank spaces and I feel burdened by the amount of responsibilities - financial and otherwise, I have taken on.
Actions:
1. I will schedule 3 free nights to myself per week into my calendar and hold the boundary. These nights will be non-negotiable.
2. I will let go of or reduce two of my regular responsibilities this year:
#1 I will order meal kits for two nights per week, and ask my partner to make them. We will order takeout once per week.
#2 I will step down from my volunteer role of team event planner at work and ask if someone else can take on the role this year.
3. I’m going to trade in my fancy car for a more affordable one and cut my monthly payment in half. I will put this amount into savings so that I feel more financially secure.
4. I will not be hosting Christmas dinner this year for my family of 12 people.
Support Systems:
1. I need my partner to help with dinner preparation two nights per week.
2. I need my boss at work to encourage someone else to take the volunteer position of event planner and support my desire to step down.
3. I need to work with a coach or therapist to strengthen my self-confidence, let go of ego (and my fancy car) and learn how to set and hold boundaries. I will also seek out podcasts or books on the subject.

Give this method a try and see what comes up! Goals fuelled by feeling with an action plan and support system in place are much more likely to happen.

How do these goals differ from the ones you may have originally set?