You know you have thought about it, so what is your New Year’s Resolution? Looking to shed some extra pounds, spend some time away from mobile devices, or use some much deserved leave time? Whatever it is, studies have shown that setting goals is a good thing. Waiting until the New Year seems to be the most popular time to do that, which is okay too. But understand that there are 364 other days in the year where you can set goals so they do not all take shape around the same time. I’ll share with you one of my goals and some advice I have absorbed on goal setting over the years. 

Over the last few years, I have teased my older sister during her birthday saying “it’s your 40-x birthday.” Basically, reminding her that she is only 4, 3, 2, or 1 year away from turning 40. During that time, I failed to acknowledge that I, too, was getting older. Last month on my birthday, I received a text from my sister that didn’t say “Happy Birthday.” It said “…how old are you again?” I knew she was digging, it was my “40-4 Birthday.”

Realizing that I could either start that countdown or challenge myself, I did what any ambitious person would do — I set a goal that may be the hardest one yet. My goal is to be in the best shape of my life by the time I’m 40. That give me 3 years, 11 months, and 2 days to find that six pack again — and not the one at the grocery store.

Goals don’t need to happen next month or right now. I recommend they don’t. In fleet management, things rarely happen overnight. So creating that list of goals might help you keep your eye on the prize. Here are some key take-aways I have come across as it relates to goal-setting:

1. Limit the number of goals you set. It's not a good idea to exceed 6 or 7. Let’s face it, the easiest way to fail at multiple things at once is to multitask, and we already do plenty at work.

2. Be specific. The more vague you are, the harder it will be to focus on what you want to accomplish.

3. Be realistic. Don't make them too easy. Challenge yourself.

4. Set a time frame. What good is a goal without a completion date?

I wish everyone a happy and successful 2017. Challenge yourself in the New Year and remember, the only way we grow is to consistently set the bar a little higher.