For the first time in a number of years, I set performance goals with specific numbers to reach by the end of the year. Usually, I only set process goals or goals for the amount of projects I want to complete. I haven’t picked a number to strive towards during the year for quite some time.
I wrote about the process I used to pick the numbers for these goals here: “A Simple Process for Setting Bigger Goals.”
So, why did I decide to set goals this year?
Because when done right, goals can push you to think bigger and more creatively and work harder on your journey towards accomplishing whatever mission you have been put on this earth to do. The numbers help keep you on track. They can tell you whether what you are doing is working or not.
I’m very motivated and working hard, but having a goal with a number helps in evaluating the work that I do to ensures that I am being as effective as possible.
Professionally, I picked one audacious goal (something that seems impossible), two good goals (I would be happy with the outcome), and one expected goal (I don’t plan on growing in this area).
So, here are my goals for 2018. You can find the most up-to-date version of my goals and my progress towards them here: My Goals.
Professional Goals
Performance Goals (Outcomes): By December 31, 2018 I will . . .
- Double the number members to The Religion Teacher. (Audacious Goal)
- Sell 5,000 copies of Christ in the Classroom (Available in September 2018). (Good Goal)
- Publish 1 work of fiction. (Good Goal)
- Book 7 speaking engagements. (Expected Goal)
Personal Goals
- Reading: Read 50 books in 2018. (Good Goal)
- Finances: Pay off the mortgage in 2020. (Good Goal)
- Physical: Run a 5K under 23:00. (Good Goal)
- Ministry/Spirituality: Start a support ministry for startup founders. (Expected Goal)
