A new year usually comes with new hope, renewed focus and a desire to start with a clean slate. Have you set new goals for 2020? Here are 5 steps to get you started:

1- Consider what you want to achieve: Goal setting requires thoughtful planning and consideration. Carve out some time to consider what you want to achieve. Perhaps you want to take your career to a new level. Maybe you want to improve your attitude or build new relationships. Whatever your goals are, take the time to flesh them out.

2- Count the cost of achieving your goals: Know how much achieving your goals will cost you. For example, if your goal is to write a book while you’re working a full-time job, you will likely have to give up your free nights and weekends to get it done. Is that a price you’re willing to pay? There is nothing more discouraging than failing to achieve a personal goal because you weren’t willing to pay the price of committing to achieve it.

3- Write your goals: It has been said that goals that are not written down are just wishes. Written goals will give you clarity of vision and a sense of purpose. Be specific when you write your goals. Prioritize your goals and include dates and sub-goals to measure achievement over time.

4- Review and revise your goals: Make it a habit to review your goals on a regular basis. Regular exposure to your written goals will give you a long-term perspective and the motivation to achieve. Additionally, it will afford you the opportunity to revise your goals should your circumstances change.

5- Stay on course: It will be easy to lose sight of your goals when the luster of the new year wears off. One good way to not lose sight of your goals is to recruit an accountability partner who is invested in your well-being. Share your goals with your partner and commit to meeting quarterly to review your goals. At each quarterly review, honestly assess how you’re doing. What worked? Where did you fall short? Do you need to reassess your priorities? An accountability partner will encourage you to keep your eye on the prize.

When you achieve a goal, remember to celebrate and enjoy the satisfaction of your accomplishment. Achieving goals will motivate you and give you the confidence to achieve your best.