Does Writing Down Your Goals Matter?

Recently I realized it’s been years since I last updated my personal and business goals. At some point I just stopped writing down what I wanted to do. My last set of quarterly goals were recorded in November 2021; that’s three and half years ago, yikes! Have I been moving through life with a hazy sense of purpose?

No, quite the contrary. Humbly, I’ve logged some “wins” while navigating setbacks, surprises, and less than ideal outcomes. That’s life, never a straight line, lots of zigs and zags. So, does writing down your goals matter?

Yes, initially gaining clarity around your priorities does have an impact on what you do. It’s good to have goals as they function as a framework around your values and what you want.

The thing is, and it took me a while to figure this out, your goals will change over time because you change. Goals that were previously important to you suddenly don’t hold the same influence. Why? Your preferences change as life changes around you.

I think that’s what happened to me. I didn’t need to revisit goals as often as I previously did. The outcomes of achieving “fill in the blank” were replaced with better inputs each day.

My goals stay simple. I want to keep moving and working out to stay mentally and physically healthy. I want to develop real solid relationships with my family, friends, and a limited number of clients. I want to avoid making decisions when my emotions are elevated. I want to increase my investments while managing cashflow and taxes.

Health, relationships, decisions, and financials, that’s about it. This is goal planning 2.0. Linking actions to these priorities and letting life play out.

This shift in mindset, away from goals (outcomes I don’t control) and now towards action (steps I have control of) was a game changer as it creates an awareness of each day.

Allocating time for physical activity, emails, personal errands, family obligations, and client meetings drives my schedule. I’m fortunate to have control over my time, it’s a luxury, and not available to everyone. But you can still grow and improve each day, here’s how.

Start by asking yourself what are you doing now? Who are you serving and how are you affecting those around you? Are you moving forward or running in place? No one is perfect, myself included, so are you learning from your mistakes?

The right possibilities are created when we pay attention to our energy and efforts. What blind spots can a mentor help with? What can I remove or reduce from my day that I currently feel is essential? What can I start saying “no” to that will allow me to say “yes” to what I want?

Apply these questions to your work, relationships, time, and money. Sharing your answers with a friend can be valuable and provide accountability. So can taking a daily walk as you clarify themes that matter to you.

By following a routine, you get the right things done. There is a sense of control that arrives by following a process. And let’s face it, we’d all like more control, right?

If writing down your goals works for you, keep it going. However, don’t be surprised at some point if what you’ve written doesn’t seem as important as it once did. That’s likely a sign of growth and time for reflection.

Think about what you’re doing and why. Can small daily decisions that are good for you get you closer to what you want? Do you know what you want and if it’s worthwhile? That’s so much of life, figuring out what matters and doesn’t and then adjusting your next steps.

Change happens only when you’re ready. Are you ready or are you comfortable with the status quo? It’s your life and your choices, go make the most of it!

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