Want’s and Don’t Want’s
Are your goals for the year ahead on your mind? I’m thinking about mine. For the most part, we’re accustomed to writing SMART goals: Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Relevant. Time-bound.
This year, experiment with by adding another take on your process. Create a ‘Want’ and a ‘Don’t Want’ list for each goal. Here’s how:
- At the top of the page, write or type out your goal. Create a separate sheet for each goal.
- Divide the page in half, lengthwise. At the top of the left column, write ‘Wants.’ At the top of the right column, write ‘Don’t Want.”
- Now, write down your ‘Wants’ and ‘Don’t Wants’ for each goal. Be brutally honest with yourself about specifically what you Want and Don’t Want relative to each goal.
This simple process can help you clarify your strategy, expand your list of action steps, and serve as a touchstone for decision-making.
