If you’ve made New Year’s resolutions in the past only to have lost enthusiasm by February, strategic goal setting could be a better way to approach it this year. But if you also set goals creatively, you give power to the process! So, how do we set goals creatively? Creative thinking techniques! If you incorporate creative thinking techniques to achieve your goals, you’ll be on the fast track to realise your dreams and ambitions this year!

1. Visualise Your Success

A vision board visually represents your objectives, aspirations, and desired life. It is usually a collage of images, words, and symbols corresponding to your desired objectives. The objective is to create a vision board that represents your goals. Use any images, words, and symbols that visually depict what success looks like for you. Make sure you place the board where you can see it regularly for inspiration and to keep you on track.

2. Write a Letter to Your Future Self

Imagine yourself at the end of the year having achieved your goals. Write a letter to your future describing your accomplishments, experiences, and personal growth. Simply writing this letter can be a powerful motivator as it transforms a theoretical exercise into a personal and dynamic activity. It connects your past, present, and future selves, promoting a comprehensive approach to goal achievement!

3. Use Creative Journaling

Instead of creating a traditional list, why not keep a creative journal for your goals? You could pick out a cute notebook or find an online platform that inspires you. Whether you use sketches, mind maps, or doodles to express your aspirations, the goal-setting process is much more enjoyable! It might also be important to have a time in the day to focus on journaling, which will help create a positive habit.

4. Create SMARTER Goals

Expand the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) by adding “E” for Exciting and “R” for Rewarding! Make sure your goals are not only practical but also emotionally compelling. If you aim to find a job that helps you strike a work/life balance, take practical steps to achieve this career change, such as applying for two jobs a week with reduced hours or more flexibility. If you stick with this goal (within a goal), reward yourself at the end of the week. Perhaps you take yourself out for dinner, see a movie or treat yourself to your favourite ice cream – anything that makes progress exciting and rewarding!

5. Think in Themes

Organise your goals around a central theme or word for the year. This thematic approach can help create a cohesive vision and make your goals feel interconnected. Try to be specific around your theme or word for the year in a way that makes it tangible and achievable. So, if your word is Joy, how can you create more happiness and satisfaction in your personal and work life? Find ways to experience joy every day, whether it’s investing in your education, fitness, or social engagements!

6. Gamify Your Goals

Gamifying goals is when you use game design features to make goal-setting and achievement more engaging and enjoyable. It’s important to customise the gamification strategy to your personality and tastes. You could incorporate competition with others, a points and rewards system or time-based personal challenges. Whatever the game, the objective is to make the process fun while increasing your motivation and dedication to accomplishing your goals. This adds an element of fun and competition to the process, making it more engaging.

7. Experiment with Mind Mapping

As stated above, mind mapping is a visual tool that organises your goals and their interconnectedness. This creative and non-linear goal-setting approach can help you see the bigger picture and identify unexpected connections. To efficiently utilise mind mapping for goal achievement, determine your primary aim and create a core node on paper or with a digital tool. Subgoals, tasks, ideas, and links can then be added. Revisit and update your mind map regularly to reflect your changing understanding and progress towards your goal.

8. Create a Personal Manifesto

Develop a personal manifesto that outlines your core values, beliefs, and overarching goals. This can serve as a guiding document to keep you focused and motivated throughout the year. Creating a personal manifesto will require articulating your basic views, values, and guiding principles concisely and meaningfully. Begin by considering the most important goals and defining the essence of who you are and what you stand for. Capture these characteristics in a brief and compelling statement that expresses your dedication to living genuinely and matching your actions with your core beliefs. Your personal manifesto acts as a compass, directing your actions, behaviours, and objectives while also giving inspiration and clarity in your pursuit of a purposeful and intentional life!

9. Celebrate Milestones Creatively

Organise your goals into small milestones and creatively celebrate each one. Recognising progress through a modest ritual, a special gift, or creative expression may boost your motivation. The key is to celebrate in a way that feels significant to you and is appropriate for the milestone. Make it a time you’ll remember as part of your journey to success, whether it’s a quiet and introspective celebration or an exciting and lively event!

 

The key is to make goal-setting personalised and enjoyable. When you add a touch of creativity, your goal-setting routine makes your objectives more compelling and boosts your commitment to achieving them. So, what are you waiting for? A purposeful, joyful and more intentional existence awaits!

Can we help you get there? Contact one of our friendly Course Consultants today on Live Chat or 1300 76 2221 to learn about professional development programs. We’d love to help you achieve your goals this year!