Next comes the goal-setting stage.

To set goals that you can easily and confidently pursue in the coming year, use the SMART methodology to guide your approach.

S – Specific: Make sure your goals are specific to a narrow aspect of your life and are clear about what the desired improvement is (e.g. I want to invest more time into improving my workplace communication skills).

M – Measurable: Add a quantitative element to your goals to make your progress easier to track (e.g. you can track how many hours you spend on improving your communication skills weekly or monthly).

A – Actionable: Ensure you can act upon your goals, especially within your existing constraints. Leverage technology if you can. Is there an app that will support your efforts? (e.g. if your schedule is particularly busy, find online communication skill-building courses that fit within your work schedule).

R – Relevant: Are your goals aligned with your larger dreams and desires? Identify clearly the WHY behind your goal — this will be a key motivator for you to continuously pursue your goal. (e.g. I want to improve my communication skills to become a better manager and leader within my company).

T- Time-bound: Set a clear timeframe for when you want to embark on your goal, and when you hope to see tangible results. Aligning your timeframe with clear measurable metrics can also help you stay on track with your goal as time passes. Setting a reassessment date for your goal (e.g. at the end of the year) can also be helpful to allow you to assess your progress and determine whether your goal is worth continuing to pursue. Combine Different Approaches: Explore a combination of learning methods, such as using apps for foundational knowledge and participating in project-based learning activities for real-world application.