As a new year begins, I realign and firm up my goals. First, I look back on the past year and reflect on what I did and didn’t accomplish.

The goals that made it past January and February had three things in common. The ones that didn’t stick lacked these.

I’ve used the same goal-setting framework for a few years now, refining it as I learn. When my mentors challenged me, I embedded their feedback into my framework. As I updated my framework, I shared it with my mentees.

The “goal” is to bring the whole team up! 🙂

This process has led to promotions, student loans payoff, new opportunities and more!

Now, I’m sharing here!

My goal-setting framework incorporates the purpose and behavioral change needed to make your achievement process sustainable and impactful.

➡️ Make it strategic.

Align to something bigger than yourself. What impact do you want to have? How can this help people or the community?
I.e. Learn in order to lead inclusive innovation initiatives

➡️ Make it SMART.

Ensure your goal is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based. Define an objective metric.
I.e. Read 15 new books on innovation and tech by 12/31

➡️ Make it a practice.

Goals push you to change a habit or behavior. Define your new practice with intention to ensure it sticks.
I.e. Read 20 minutes per day

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Do you find this helpful? What’s your goal-setting process? I’d love to hear your perspective below!

Dasanj Aberdeen

Dasanj Aberdeen is an entrepreneurial spirit who embodies the combination of left-brain logic and right-brain creativity. She is a consultant and proponent of multidisciplinary education, approaches and pursuits. She writes about their benefits in modern times and integrating multiple interests into a sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. She’s a graduate of The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University with a concentration in Technology & Innovation Management, jointly delivered by the Fox School of Business and College of Engineering.