Think about some of the most gratifying times in your life.  

I’m talking about the moments that brought a smile of satisfaction to your face. If you’re like me, the reasons for such times vary, and include: 

• Accomplishing a task or project

• Living into one of my primary life roles in a meaningful way (Husband, Father, CEO, friend, etc.)

• Achieving a dream or goal

• Strengthening a relationship

• Slowing down enough to realize and express gratitude for my many blessings

• Adding value to someone else

 As I consider the coming year, I realize that for most of us, there are two likely scenarios. 

1. Take each day as it comes. React to the ups and downs that come our way, and hope for the best.

2. Make some plans for what you want to accomplish and for whom you want to become. As the year unfolds, take daily, proactive action toward your clearly-defined goals for the year.

As we look at the two options above, it is interesting to note: Both approaches will take you to the end of 2022. Time marches on. And the main difference between option one and option two is planning. Even if this year produces several challenges for you, if you’re like me, you’ll smile more if you approach the year with intention and planning. 

Goal setting is an excellent way to plan your year. And here are five tips to help you set and accomplish more meaningful goals for your life – and smile more in 2022! 

1. Ask “Why” as well as “What.”

Most of us must ask ourselves questions to figure out what’s essential and what isn’t. 

“Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.”

**– Anthony Robbins **

Asking and understanding “Why is this important to me?” will give you the emotional and motivational energy to keep moving forward when you struggle in the middle of a 2022 goal. 

Remember, you will lose your way when you lose your why. 

2. Make a “To-Be” list as well as a “To-Do” list

As you prepare your goals, plan to live your life with a “to-be” list as well as a “to-do” list. 

Whom you are becoming is so important… Because it will drive what you do. 

**“Who you are becoming is more important than what you are accumulating.”  **

**– Robin Sharma **

3. Adjust Accordingly

As you implement and execute your 2022 plans and goals, expect to adjust them as the year goes by. 

When you move forward, you will learn something new that you had not considered before that would lead you to an even better path. Be willing to adjust your goals and plans accordingly.** **

“Failed plans should not be interpreted as a failed vision. Visions don’t change, they are only refined. Plans rarely stay the same and are scrapped or adjusted as needed. Be stubborn about the vision, but flexible with your plan.

– John C. Maxwell

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4. Be Others-Focused as well as Me-Focused

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 ESV

Often our plans and goals are very “me” focused. Could I suggest you add an element where you have an “add-value to others” focus? Think about how you can impact and influence others. 

Consider doing something for or giving to someone without expecting anything in return. 

“You can’t live a perfect day until you do something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”

– John Wooden

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5. **Determine What You Will Stop Doing **

Once you decide what you want to accomplish for the year, it’s important to count the cost of your goals. Often, we need more time in our schedules to accomplish our newly set goals. One sure-fire way to create time in your schedule is to stop doing certain activities that currently occupy your time.  

SUCCESS TIP: Consider making a “Stop Doing” list that contains the activities and behaviors that you need to remove from your life to make time for your newly identified goals.  

**Most of us lead busy but undisciplined lives. We have ever-expanding ‘to do’ lists, trying to build momentum by doing, doing, doing—and doing more. And it rarely works. Those who built the good-to-great companies, however, made as much use of ‘stop doing’ lists as ‘to do’ lists. **

– Jim Collins

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Do you want to get the most out of 2022? The one process that I can heartily recommend to make 2022 your best year ever is goal setting. We’ve created an online course to help you set meaningful goals AND achieve them! This course contains my proven goal-setting process and includes our Goal-Setting Workbook that contains my unique goal-planning template. Check out my Goal Planning Success{target=“_blank” rel=“noopener noreferrer”} course and, for a limited time, get $100 off!

What about you? How do you prepare for the coming year? Which of the ideas listed above will you try this year? Leave your thoughts in the comment section.