By Dickson Tumuramye
Setting targets is one way to keep yourself focused on what you aim to achieve. You could have had targets or set goals for 2022, some of which were successful and some of which were not. A new year means another chance to achieve your life goals. Your targets should reflect who you are, what you live for, what you intend to accomplish this year, and where you plan to be.
Celebrate your successes in 2022.
Every milestone in life matters, and it is worth celebrating. Failure to appreciate what you have done well and where you have come from may deny you an opportunity to learn new things in the new year. This is your time to cheer up and move forward with what you feel is worthwhile and can be done this year. Reward yourself for your accomplishments in the past year. Ultimately, you are not an angel who can achieve everything. We set goals, but it is God who fulfills them (Proverbs 16:3, 9).
Reflect on failures for 2022
Reflect on the things you did not realize in 2022 and look at those that can be carried forward to this year. Evaluate why you failed to achieve them and what you need to do better this time around. It is not healthy to give up on certain things in life. You only need another chance to reach them. Be optimistic and remain positive in life.
Set new targets for 2023
Every year should bring new things you anticipate achieving. Yes, some will be carried forward from the previous year, but new ones should emerge, and that keeps you motivated. These can range from personal, family, workplace, church, friends, relatives, and business to many more. Sit down and ask yourself, “What do I want to do this year?” How do I get there? What resources do I need? Where do I get them? If it is a family plan, who is responsible for what? What activities are scheduled within the set timeframe? Why do we do what we do? Who are my networks and partners? If some plans appear difficult to achieve but are critical, what is my plan B?
Think through your targets critically. For example, if you are in business, your targets could be to increase your sales by a certain percentage, expand the business, change locations, rebrand, and go international, among others. Don’t rely on the same thing year after year. Have new things in place that can motivate and challenge you to realize your big dream. Have a fresh start every year and never run out of ideas. Set goals for different areas of your life. Some goals will need a budget attached to them, and others may not. Do what is realistic and measurable within your means.
Your primary goal should always be to save and invest every penny you get. Invest in things that will make you more money even when you are not physically there to supervise. Save any money that you can. One by one, they make up a bundle. In savings, there is nothing small. Everything counts. Think of what you intend to achieve and how you can get there. With God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26), and you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13).
Plan a new career
It is never too late to start a new professional career. The way things are moving, you may need another academic paper added to keep you relevant in that job, manage competition, get promoted, learn new things, etc. You can do a short or long-term course depending on your target, available time, financial ability, or as a hobby. Learning never ends. There are many online opportunities if you have less time to attend physical classes. While working, you can study your dream program online for a low cost at any international institution. Don’t remain in the past while the world has become virtual and digital.
Plan for reviews periodically
Do not just keep plans or targets on paper without putting them into action. Don’t start something that you won’t have time to sit down and review its progress. Reviewing can be done along the way. It can be weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Periodic reviews help you to measure progress, make adjustments where necessary, get to know where more resources are needed, and identify gaps and solutions. They also help you aim higher if all is going well as planned. Don’t go wholeheartedly without taking breaks to audit yourself, your business, and your life goals, and then hit back with vigor.
Involve your family
As a family person, you shouldn’t plan alone. Could you include your spouse and children in your plans? Let them be part of what you dream of realizing this year. Family members will advise you, give their opinion, get involved in planning and implementation, and own up to the whole process. Essentially, they are part of the family’s vision. If they are left out of the planning process, they may not understand how you intend to achieve your goals during the implementation process. If they start with you, they will be aware of the plan and what the targets are by the end of the year.
Be mindful of the end
How you begin the race may not matter, but how you finish is vital. King Solomon said it better. “The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit” (Ecclesiastes 7:8). Whether you start badly or are on track, what is critical is how you end 2023. When Argentina lost their first World Cup game in Qatar last year, many people knew that they were finished. Surprisingly, they won the World Cup finals and got the trophy. Things may not work well at the start, but be patient and keep at it. Don’t get overly excited if everything starts well and you are prospering; remain calm and focused on the end goal. In all, never give up until your targets are achieved! But as for you, be strong and don’t give up. Your work will be rewarded (2 Chronicles 15:7).
Happy and prosperous 2023!
