Any time we head into a new season (literally and figuratively), it’s time to evaluate where we’ve been, and where we’re headed. As you approach a new year, a new quarter, a new milestone you may want to reflect on what went well, what didn’t, and what needs to change for you to move forward intentionally.

In The Refreshed Therapist Network, members go through a quarterly and yearly goal-setting and reflection process. Today, I'm bringing you a few of the questions and strategies I use to guide members through clarifying their goals.

Let's get started!

1 |  Reflect On Your Quarter 1 Goals

• What are you proud to have accomplished this quarter?

• On what project, or area (self, relationships, spiritual growth, work/business, health, etc.), did you spend most of your time?

• What had you hoped to complete/do/accomplish that you did not? Why not?

  • Do you want to carry this goal forward, or let it go, for now (or forever)?

• What strategies served your focus and your overall wellness?

2 |  Define Your Priorities, Intentions, and Goals

Oftentimes, our understanding of values, priorities, and goals overlaps, which can result in confusing and unclear goals. Generally, goals will only motivate you if they are aligned with your priorities. And, priorities are typically chosen because they align with your values. When I sit down to set goals for the quarter, it helps me to remember the meaning of each term.

Priority: What matters most to you.

Intention: How you want to be/engage in a specific area of your life.

Goal: An accomplishment tied to your priority and intention that requires consistent action.

For example, if your priority for the next three months is to be an accessible mentor to your team, an example of an intention and goal are:

Intention:  I will engage as a caring leader who listens fully and guides with generosity.

Goal:  I will be proactive about developing each member of my team, by meeting with them weekly.

Goals can be further delineated into action plans. For example, the leader in this scenario can begin to collect positive observations from others on the team, or in the organization, and commit to writing them down.  S/he can also ask each team member for feedback, or evaluate her management skills with a coach. Action plans include specific steps that will lead to your goal over time.

3 |  Refine Your Goals with Resources

Once you are clear on your priorities and intentions, refine your ideas by reviewing information on the topic of goal-setting. Here are a few resources to get you started:

• In this article, Dean Bokhari defines S.M.A.R.T. and Stretch goals, and gives examples of how to pair them for success.

• Check out The Chalkboard Method for goal setting.

If you're creating sales or marketing goals for your business, remember to attach them to a revenue goal.  Also, consider the Return on Investment (ROI) of your goals.  Link your goals and vision to your investment, by using  this guide.

4 |  Set Your Goals

What are your top three priorities for the next three months?

If three priorities are too many, choose one. Set your intention and goal, and create your action plan.

5 |  Celebrate Your Progress!

Tying accomplishments to appropriate rewards is one way to help you stay motivated. When your focus is on the goal, it can become habit to notice the gap between where you are today and where you want to be. Commit to celebrating your small steps weekly. Show kindness to yourself, by recognizing your efforts. It turns out, for most of us, recognition is a huge motivator.  

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Let me know in the comments below, or contact me.

• What is one goal you've set for yourself for this upcoming quarter?