There was a time a huge list of goals made its way to the mirror for constant adjustment, remembrance, personal accountability, and somewhat to be tough. There were even laminated pages (2-6) typed written items that were hung for the same reasons.
This was also the time when the term “Who needs sleep, that’s for losers!” Was cool…. If you have not heard the latest health research, this last statement in some studies is worse for the body than smoking!
Just like the formal suit, or the old briefcase both of which have been replaced by cooler, thinner more comfortable clothes – shoes especially … and the awesome backpack … a personal favorite …. times have changed! In some ways, with much less time – ok, digressing!
Fast forward to today, a much more casual “Goal or New Year’s Resolution Setting has arrived too!
Fun Positive Goal Setting aka New Years Resolutions
So easy you may think it will not work, but give it a try – My bet is you will be happily surprised! The key is the ease at which you accomplish, staying positive and making it SUPER easy to capture!
These are for anyone of any age and any chapter! Let’s do this — You got it!
Name at least 3 items (more is fine, but get at least 3 down!) in your subject area you are most proud of in 2025! In my case … professionally, family and self!
Using myself as an example, that gives me 9 minimum but likely about 15 – You cannot have too many of these!
Now name at least 3 items in each subject area that you would like to “improve or are maybe slightly disappointed” with! The key here is the softness of the question, similar to the comfortable business clothes these days, they are fun to wear … So make your desired improvements fun too… Do not have too many (15 max using myself as an example, but 9 is fine too!), and be nice when you are thinking of these items…
Pro tip : If the timing for completion is correct – You are likely very happy, rested (just had your coffee), maybe in motion i.e. walking or the like and probably alone … AND have your cell phone handy to tap a note as these come to mind OR dictate them in easy rough form for later edit! Just let them flow and get them down!
The final point is to share these with someone, maybe not all, but at least your favorites on each side! Again as the example, professional will be shared with the team, family with the homestead gang, and personal will just depend!
Once complete, keep them… adjust if you want, but this post will be coded Annual Review and as such all of us can review this time next year! You’ve got this… just capture them when the moment is correct!
Have a Great “Capture those Goals Positively” Day!
John A. Kvale CFA, CFP
AI Content Authenticity: AI created the splash and post image. All of the following text content has been completed by myself and has not been edited or created by AI. Occasionally we do use AI for images and will note when appropriate.
Founder of J.K. Financial, Inc.
A Dallas Texas based fee only
Financial Planning Total Wealth
Management firm.
