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A typical behavior that accompanies the start of a new year for ambitious career-oriented individuals is goal setting. Having a list of things you would like to achieve in the new year can help you visualize your goals clearly. In doing this, you are also able to set up action plans to achieve each goal.
Example of a Vision Board
Setting up a vision board (or a dream board) has become a popular means for young professionals to easily articulate their goals in a manner that is visually appealing and is accompanied by visual representation of the things they aspire to achieve. A dream board is a visualization tool, either physical or digital, containing a collage of images representing your various dreams and aspirations. Basically,it is you taking manifestation a notch by making it physical and realistic. The idea behind vision boards is that, if you are able to see the goals you articulated physically spread out before you, then it becomes easier to pursue because it is somehow now more tangible.
As valid and relevant as this concept sounds however, I believe vision boards are just aesthetics. It’s like Instagram but for your personal goals. I am of the opinion that specifics and not just dreams, are important in goal setting. Hence, I am making a case for the Whole Life Grid.
Example of a Whole Life Grid
The whole life grid on the other hand, is an alternative method of goal setting which was first mentioned in Susan Jeffers’ book- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway. The whole life grid or personal whole life advocates for setting up a nine-box grid with each grid carrying a theme in your life. It is an approach to goal setting in specifics that encompasses important aspects of your life, which can range from career to relationships to spirituality.
Personally, I take it a step further by making more than nine grid boxes and articulating in detail everything I’d like to accomplish in each theme box. I consider this to be a less fanciful and more realistic way to set ambitious goals.
Of course, as with everything in life, you have to actually go into the real world and work on achieving your goals. So as important as goal setting is implementation is even more important. Nothing gives as much satisfaction as seeing yourself achieve the things you set out to do at the beginning of the year.