One of my favorite ways to intentionally plan out my goals for the year is with a “Goal Board.” I started this strategy back in 2019 and I’ve stuck with it. It’s simple and effective (two of my favorite things). Intentional goal planning can make all the difference in taking you from where you are today to where you want to be tomorrow.

I use a small poster board and put post it notes up to fill the board with my various goals and aspirations for the year. Then, I hang my board up on in my closet so I can purposefully see them every single day. Being intentional takes daily effort and I love having these reminders there to help encourage me in my day-to-day decision making.

Here are some tips to help you with your own intentional goal planning. And if you’d like more of a resource I have a printable packet you can buy in the MWM Shop – Take Back Your Goals! It’s a simple tool that will help you to make the most of your time and set achievable goals.

Intentional Goal Planning

Plan – look ahead

You may choose to do this on a monthly or a seasonal basis. It doesn’t need to be annually. What is important, is that you make time to look ahead. Consider creating a visual reminder, or a detailed list, or even journaling your dreams. When you put pen to paper it is a great tool! So, find what works for you and start your planning.

Prioritize – signal your intention

Next, it’s important to prioritize and determine what you have the margin and motivation to take on. Prioritization signals your intentions.

Begin by carefully considering your current season and your personal capacities. Be realistic about what you will be able to accomplish in the upcoming months or year.

While it is often a good motivator to stretch yourself, it is also wise to start small and consider what will best set you up for success. It’s generally easier to add then it is to subtract. There is not necessarily a magic number or a specific timeline to follow, what’s most important is to acknowledge what will work for you in your current phase of life.

Prepare – commit!

The best way to make a goal happen, is to commit to the goal. Usually, the difference between something being an idea and becoming an event, is the preparation. Get out out your calendar. Start breaking down your goals into smaller steps. If you want to move something from start to finish, you need to recognize what the steps will look like. Often, we want to jump from the start line to the finish line, and get frustrated when we don’t make it to the finish line in one big leap. But that’s not how success works!

We have to be tenacious and dedicated. Small, regular steps is what produces effort. Discipline is the difference! Your commitment is what will move you forward, to the finish line.

And, let me leave you with this. It’s ok, if you change your mind and you realize midway through that your goal needs an adjustment or that you no longer want to, (fill in the blank…). I’m not giving you permission to be flaky or to take on an attitude of throwing in the towel when things get hard. What I am suggesting is that being realistic will give you the permission and grace to flex as necessary. A sweet spot, somewhere between flexibility and rigidity, is always a good spot to stay in.

All in all, I encourage you to look ahead, signal your intention, and commit. Make this next year an intentional one!

Happy Organizing!