The Evolution of My Goal-Review Process: Priorities, Adaptation, and Reflection

Over the years, my approach to goal-setting and review has evolved significantly. What used to be a rigorous, yearly ritual in a secluded forest or on a deserted beach has morphed into a more flexible, disciplined framework that aligns with my values and vision for life.

Why I Used to Review Goals Regularly

For most of my life, I used to set aside a day every five years or so to sit alone in nature, reflecting on my ethics, morals, and values. This time was dedicated to assessing my successes, identifying areas for improvement, and analyzing problematic behaviors. After reviewing my goals and making necessary adjustments, I would go back into the world with renewed clarity and purpose.

However, as I approached retirement and achieved most of my goals, I found myself having less of a need for this intense review process. I embraced the freedom to relax and enjoy life without the pressure to continuously strive for more. The world no longer demanded that I be in a constant state of achievement.

Current Approach to Goal-Setting and Review

These days, my goal process is more structured and timely. I set an overarching theme for the year at the end of December or start of January. Within this theme, I define goals in various life areas, such as career, health, relationships, and personal growth. For each goal, I plan projects or actions to be taken every quarter.

Monthly and Weekly Reviews

Monthly, I check in on each project to see how the tasks are progressing and which goals they're contributing to. I also review weekly to plan for the upcoming week and ensure that the tasks align with the overall theme and long-term goals. Daily, I prepare the most important tasks to move my projects forward.

This daily focus on tasks helps me remain present and achieve excellence in the projects and goals I pursue. While it's essential to set big goals and work towards them with daily attention, it's also crucial to recognize that some goals require more time to achieve. It's important not to get fixated on the end result but rather to appreciate the journey and the process.

Adaptation and Flexibility

As I've adapted my approach, I've become more flexible in my goal-setting process. When my efforts don't yield the desired results, I update my broader outcome goals as needed. For instance, recovering from a recent back injury has forced me to cross off certain goals, like a 100 km bike ride. These changes allow me to focus on achievable goals and ensure that my efforts are sustainable and realistic.

Why Organizational Skills Matter

One of the key reasons my strategy works is that I keep everything in my life well organized. If you're not a fan of organizing tasks or staying on top of your work, a more frequent review or daily check-in might be more effective in keeping your goals top of mind. Regular reflection and updates are crucial to staying aligned with your values and vision for life.

Conclusion

Over time, my goal-review process has evolved to be more flexible and adaptable. By setting an overarching theme, planning projects, and reviewing progress monthly and weekly, I can stay aligned with my values and vision without feeling overwhelmed. Adaptation and flexibility are key to achieving long-term goals, and staying present and focused on the process is essential to success.

Note: YMMV – Your Mileage May Vary. These strategies may work for me, but they might not be the best fit for everyone. Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you.