Setting Goals and Taking Stock: Looking Ahead to 2023
Updated: Sep 23, 2022
Starting early is key to success. As we stare down the barrel of Q4 2022, let's make it a point to review our goals for 2022 and get ahead of your competitors by planning for next year well before others start identifying their New Year's Resolutions. Here's what to think about.
Finishing Out 2022 on a Strong Note
The year is almost over, but that doesn't mean resting on our laurels or waiting for Jan 1 to "reset". A change of direction or new goal doesn't need a specific catalyst or deadline - starting today is just as viable as starting in three months' time.
Consider:
Your goals vs. your achievements. Are you on track to achieve your identified goals and milestones? If you're ahead of the curve, consider adding "reach" goals or moving your next goals forward. If you're behind, analyze the factors causing this and see whether it's an internal issue, an external one, or the result of overly ambitious goal setting. Having big goals is one thing, but always falling short is bad for morale.
How do your actions align with your goals? Are you saying one thing but doing another? Your achievements are the direct result of focused attention, so analyze where you're actually expending your efforts. If there's a lack of alignment, either your focus needs to shift, or your goals do. Goals have both a personal and a professional element - you're more likely to double down on those that you feel strongly about.
How do others feel about your success? Success isn't a one-person achievement. While there are quantifiable ways to measure goals and outcomes, there's also a qualitative dimension that matters. Talk to your team about their goals, aspirations, and perspectives on the year - and what they need to finish strong.
Rewards and recognition! Use the last few months of the year to recognize and reward the efforts and successes of your team. Whether it's through individual evaluations and plans, off-site and team-building exercises, or an end-of-year gala, making it a point to celebrate hard work and loyalty will inspire your team to finish out the year in a big way.
Making Big Plans for 2023
Now - not December 31 - is the time to be making plans for 2023 and beyond. Carve out some time in your schedule to set your direction for next year by doing the following:
Figure out your "big" goal. What's the core thing you want to focus on for the year - the thing you're most motivated to achieve? Once you've identified this goal (and have team buy-in), you can start designing secondary goals and processes around it.
Set SMART goals. Instead of "resolutions," set goals using the SMART framework - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Define different goals across different time periods, and define what success and the path towards it look like.
Identify gaps and weaknesses. Goal setting is an opportunity to identify areas for personal growth and improvement. Through discussion, reviews, and self-reflection, consider where you can grow as a leader and individual - whether it's through being more open to feedback, exploring new ideas, or focusing on communication.
Download the CEO Tools Learning Modules
If you're looking to finish out 2022 in style so that you can hit the ground running in 2023, take advantage of the CEO Tools Learning Modules. In 7 simple steps designed for the time-poor executive, they cover the core aspects of leading an organization to success - including actionable, provable methods for goal setting. To get a head start on the coming year, get started today.