As we complete another spin around the sun, it’s most people’s chance to reflect on what they’ve accomplished, and what to do next. Here’s help to get the most out of your decisions.

Goals are really important. Done right, they should provide direction for your work in the year ahead. Done wrong, they are just words that you end up ignoring.

How come there are more people who fall into the second category than the first? I think it’s because it’s really easy to come up with a goal, but much harder to execute on it. So how can you turn your goals into real progress? Here are three ways, that apply equally well to personal and career goals.

• Set Realistic Goals. Many goals are bigger than the time frame you have to accomplish them. Think no more than a year in advance, since you’re not likely to stick with any single goal for longer. In fact, if your goal could reasonably be accomplished in six months, so much the better. So for example, if your goal is to become an architect, and you’re as close to that goal as I am (i.e., not at all!), you should break the ultimate goal into smaller chunks. My goal for this year would be to meet the admission requirements for an architectural school.
• Decide How To Meet The Goal. If your goal is to double your sales this year, you need to figure out what that will take. What percentage of your increased business will come from providing more service to existing customers, and what will come from new customers? What is your sales and marketing strategy?
• Take Stock. Goals aren’t just for January 1. Take the time to have “milestones” throughout the year: times where you can review your progress and fine-tune.

Whatever your goals are, I wish you all the best in the New Year.

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