2013 is almost here. So it’s time to start determining what it is you want out of this year and re-establishing the direction you want your life to go in. Whether you’re making resolutions, intentions, or goals, creating a vision for yourself prior to establishing any of these helps you to see and feel where you want your life to go. A vision helps you to provide focus and direction to your goals or intentions and helps you to discover your path. Here are a few tips for setting a vision and goals which to help you get the most out of 2013.

Setting A Vision

Close your eyes and visualize yourself in 5-10 years, what do you see, hear, and feel? Who are you with? Where are you? Then using a pen and paper, jot these ideas down using the present tense.

If visualization isn’t something you’re into, consider creating a vision board to demonstrate the life you want to live. Cut photos and phrases from some of your favourite magazines and attach them to a canvas or insert them into a photo frame.

Still not jumping at the idea? Then how about going digital? Why not use a digital tool such as Pinterest to create a board of inspirational quotes and eye-catching photos. Pin to a board titled “Vision for my life in ten years” or “Vision for my health in 2013”. You can keep it private or share it with friends, and with the iPhone app can be pinning on the go!

Another great iPhone app I love for dream creating, vision boarding, and goal setting is Getting Dreams Done. It’s simple to use, walks you through the steps required and won’t let you sneak ahead without doing the initial work. After creating your vision, you can set and track your goals and it has a calendar to hold you accountable to achieving them.

Setting Your Goals

Your vision for yourself is established, and hopefully through the process you started to notice some trends, so now it’s time to turn these visions into goals. Bring out that pen and paper, or open your app and start writing.

Step 1: Start your goal with “I”

Step 2: Follow up your “I” with a verb “I run” “I train” “I attend”

Step 3: Write your goal in the present tense – it’s happening now!

Step 4: State what you want and not what you don’t want – “I eat clean” vs. “I don’t eat junk foods”

Step 5: Give yourself a “by when” – what date will you complete this goal by?

My example: I qualify for the Boston Marathon by November 3rd, 2013.

 You’ve Written A Goal, Now What?

Create a system to get them done. Break down your goals into incremental steps and put those steps into your calendar or app. A step might be joining a fitness group or run club.

Tell someone about your goal! Find someone with a similar goal and share yours. This creates support for you along the process and holds you accountable.

My example: To reach my goal of qualifying for Boston, I’ve registered for a number of races already this season and I’ve challenged myself by adding another Marathon to my training schedule. I am currently investigating running groups in the area to join up with to help me increase my pace. I’m also investigating a variety of training plans which have been proven to support runners in making their goal times.

What’s one of your goals for 2013? Become accountable and share it in the comment section!