In less than a month, 2018 will be here – in all its lovely, shiny newness. Which means it’s the perfect time to figure out what you’d love to achieve in the coming year.

This year, there aren’t going to be any more wasted new year resolutions because we’ve put together 10 easy-to-follow steps that’ll have you reaching – and smashing – your goals. Here’s part 1 and the first 5 steps to finding your goals.

1. Brainstorm

Brainstorming gives your brain free reign to think about what you want out of 2018 – throw down every idea you have, no matter how wild.

Tips to make it happen

Choose a time when you won’t be disturbed and gather all your supplies – coloured pens and large sheets of paper. Get comfortable (great excuse for a cup of herbal tea and wholesome snack) and set a timer. Then start writing. Aim for a mix of professional and personal goals, like ‘eat healthier’ alongside ‘build my business website’.

2. Zero in

Ok so now you’ve got a gorgeous Pinterest worthy brainstorm, it’s time to choose your top goals to focus your energy on.

Tips to make it happen

Aim to pick 3-5 goals, the ones you’re most drawn to or inspired by. Highlight them on your brainstorm.

3. Picture your goals

Make a visual reminder of what you’re aiming for (a vision board) and leave it in a place you’ll constantly see it – the fridge, the back of the front door, above your desk.

Tips to make it happen

Make space to be creative (like a large table) with all your supplies – a large piece of cardboard, coloured pens, scissors, glue and access to the internet and a printer. Look on the internet for images of what achieving your goals look like to you – a shot of a website you love or a photo of someone running. Mix it up with motivational words and images to keep you inspired. Print, cut, glue, repeat.

4. Set defined goals

Complete goal-setting exercises to help you clarify your ideas and focus your efforts.

Tips to make it happen

Get out that pen and paper again and write your top 3-5 goals in a SMART way:

  • Specific – the what, why and how.
  • Measurable – so you can tell when you’ve reached your goal.
  • Achievable – check that you’ve got everything you need to achieve your goal.
  • Realistic – ensure that your goal is realistic.
  • Timely – give yourself a deadline to aim for.

Aim to have a one paragraph SMART summary for each goal and keep it somewhere you can regularly check your progress against, like as a note on your phone or printed out by your desk.

5. Choose good habits

Good habits help you work out what you need to achieve your goals – and then help you get there.

Heading 2: Tips to make it happen

Think about practical, easy things you can incorporate into your daily life. If your SMART goal is to run a half marathon, then a good habit would be to ensure you exercise frequently. Or perhaps you can limit the time spent on your phone to one hour a day, giving you more time to focus on your goal.