As we get closer of the year and the fourth quarter starts to quickly approach, are you where you want to be with your goals? Going into the end of the year is a great time to reflect on where you are with your goals, what kind of goal you set and how you actively worked towards them.  While you are evaluating and starting to think about your goals next year, consider reading The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months by Brian P. Moran and‎ Michael Lennington. This book breaks down goals into manageable plans that can be accomplished.

It all starts with a compelling vision. Having a vision of what you want will push you to complete your goals, even when you may feel some discomfort. According to the authors, there are two visions to think about: ultimately how you want to live your life and a vision of the next three years. Imagining the next three years and thinking of goals in that time frame will be much more manageable and realistic to accomplish. Familiarize yourself with your vision and keep it in the forefront of your mind. Consistently remind yourself of your vision to stay motivated.

Make a plan, but instead of a long-term plan for over the year, make it 12 weeks. If you break it down to 12 weeks, not only will you be more productive, but your goal will be more manageable. Outside factors can arise while working towards your goal, or some things might change, which is where it can get complicated with long term goal plans. With a 12 week plan, it allows you to go day by day and be less affected by changes. This means that your goals can be broken down into action plans. Make weekly and daily plans. Determine what is crucial and what is not so that you know what to and what not to spend your time on. Accept and acknowledge potential difficulties in your plan.

Evaluate the plan, your goals and yourself. Determine when you are most productive to decide when to get your action items done. Reflect on your vision and what needs to be accomplished. Revisit your vision often. Assess your 12-week plan and if you are on track. Evaluate at the end of each week and set your intentions at the beginning of each week. A strong vision will keep you motivated. Think about the time and costs that will need to be put in and make commitments to make it happen.

Creating a 12-week plan will help break it down so that you know what to work on and what will not be as important. As specialty chemical recruiters, we understand how important planning is in career and personal development goals. Breaking your goal down into more manageable chunks will bring you closer to your vision.

-Written by Jeff Bennett: Specialty Chemicals Recruiter