As the year begins, many of us set ambitious resolutions—but by February, most have already fallen by the wayside. Why does this happen? It’s simple: most resolutions are vague dreams, not actionable goals. That’s where my Focus Wheel process comes in. It’s a method I’ve started applying myself to set more meaningful and realistic goals in my day-to-day life. Let’s dive into how it works and why it’s a game-changer.
Why Most Goals Fail
When we set goals without clarity or structure, they tend to fall apart. Imagine saying, “I want to get healthier this year.” What does that mean? Without specifics or a plan, it’s just a wish. Instead, goals need to be actionable and measurable. That’s where the Focus Wheel helps—it lets you assess your life, pinpoint areas to improve, and create clear, actionable targets.
Grab the printable wheel here to follow along: insert link
The 8 Key Areas of Life
My Focus Wheel divides life into 8 key areas:
- Health
- Finances
- Living Environment (House)
- Relationships (Partner, Family, Friends)
- Career
- Play and Leisure
- Community
- Personal Growth
Start by scoring each area from 1 to 10 based on how satisfied you are. Be honest—this exercise isn’t about judgment, but about understanding where your focus and energy are needed most.
Setting Process-Based vs. Outcome-Based Goals
One mistake many people make is focusing only on outcomes: “I want to lose 10 kilos” or “I want to double my income.” While these goals are important, they’re not entirely within your control. That’s why I recommend combining process-based goals (things you can actively do) with outcome-based goals (results you aim for).
For example, if your goal is better health:
- Process Goal: Walk 10,000 steps daily or do strength training four times a week.
- Outcome Goal: Be able to deadlift 100 kilos by the end of the year.
The process goals give you actions to take every day, making progress tangible and rewarding.
Tracking Your Progress
Tracking is crucial to staying on course. Whether it’s using a planner, a whiteboard, or my free Focus Wheel template, regularly reviewing your goals ensures you stay focused. I’ve found that seeing my goals every day (just like the pros I admire; famous athletes and entrepreneurs) keeps my energy aligned with what I want to achieve.
Small Steps Lead to Big Wins
You don’t need to tackle everything at once. Break your goals into manageable pieces and focus on what matters most right now. For instance, if your home feels overwhelming to organize, pick one area to work on—like redecorating your bedroom or cleaning out the kitchen. Progress, no matter how small, builds momentum.
Make 2024 Your Year of Intentional Growth
The beauty of the Focus Wheel is that it helps you stay intentional and balanced. By setting clear goals in the areas that matter most, you’ll feel more aligned, motivated, and in control of your life.
Ready to get started?
Listen to the full episode here where I walk you through the exercise:
Download my free Focus Wheel template to guide you through the process: https://fastforwardamy.com/focuswheel.
Let’s make 2024 the year we set and achieve goals that truly stick.
Leave a Reply