Articles From the Team

Setting New Year goals for the now

Well, 2020 was a year like no other wasn't it? As lawyers, you will have faced a wide range of individual challenges.

Whatever your personal challenges last year, I think we’ve all done a lot of thinking about life throughout 2020, and what a good life means to us individually. When parts of your life are taken away from you, it tends to focus the mind on what’s really important to you.

Inevitably there will be an initial few challenging months in 2021, however taking some time for calm reflection, evaluation and planning some achievable goals for the now is a surefire way to put you in good stead for a more focused New Year. Here are some hints and tips on how to achieve this:

Be realistic – make your goals small and achievable

Set realistic goals that don't overwhelm. Make small and achievable goals that’ll help you build momentum towards your ultimate end goal for this year. You have to see it as a long term change – make lots of small changes and you’re more likely to sustain it.

Be specific – you need unambiguous goals

Make your goals specific so you can keep track of them. Ambiguous goals are less likely to be achieved. The more detailed the better – it will help you stay focused on what you need to do.

Write your goals down

Research reveals we’re 42% more likely to achieve our goals if we write them down. This is due to the actual process of putting pen to paper. It helps to clarify your goals and motivates you to take the steps required to achieve them.

Sharing is caring (for your goals)

Sharing your goals with someone helps with procrastination and aids in keeping you motivated. 

Regularly review your goals

Make a plan and set reminders to trigger you to review your goals. Re-evaluate your goals and make note of any progress you’ve made. It’s important to celebrate progress but view it as an ongoing goal, even when you get that promotion, or lose that stone, there is more to maintain.

Thinks of it is a journey, slip-ups/blips happen

I know it’s a cliché but it’s true. If you want to improve at anything or achieve anything of merit you have to see it as a change for good, not just a couple of months. 

However, little slip-ups happen – you are human. There will be days, weeks, even months when you don’t feel like you’re getting anywhere, but it will get better if you keep going! Consistency pays off.

“What the New Year brings to you depends a great deal on what you bring to the New Year."

- Vern McLellan