Break bigger goals into smaller goals

So what are you dreaming of this Christmas? Snow? Toys? Electronics? Jewelry?

Or maybe you have started thinking about the new year soon to begin. What are you hoping to do by next Christmas?

I’m hoping to enjoy some serious biking, backpacking and kayaking next year — maybe some running too. To be ready, I have to start now. In fact, I’m typing this column on my phone while pedaling furiously on my stationary bike.

Fresh garden produce ranks high on my list for the new year too. Because I’m particular about getting organic, non-GMO seeds in my favorite varieties, I’ve already ordered my seeds and saved some from last year’s harvest.

I know New Year’s celebrations get people thinking about resolutions, but time off during the holidays can give you just the mental space you need to dream of plans for the year to come.

Set aside some time to think about the future and make some notes to guide you into next year. Consider time lines, costs and schedules.

When do you need to start preparing to reach your goal by the desired time? How much money should you save from each paycheck?

What did you miss out on last summer? Can you plan that vacation for this year? How could you attend more events locally?

How can you change your schedule so you can go to more of your children’s activities?

What can you start putting money away for now so you have less stress in the next year and further into the future?

Are there big family changes coming soon? New baby on the way? Someone getting married? Kids starting college? Retirement finally arriving on the horizon?

Do you have another type of career change in mind? What can you do this winter to get ready? Should you apply for training or schedule classes?

What things do you wish you had made time for this Christmas? What activities could you have skipped? Consider making those adjustments goals for next year.

How do you want to reach your financial goals? Have you learned to budget or studied sound investment practices? Set a goal to read a number of books on the subject. Make up a reading list.

If you sit down to plan only to find you can’t think of anything, go mobile. Use a note-taking app on your phone or grab a notebook and pen. Walk around your house or your yard. Often you’ll think of things as you pay attention to things around you.

Alternatively, take a walk on a local path. Let your mind go where it will, then pick different parts of your life to focus on. What things would you like to do, try or buy before next Christmas?

Time goes quickly, and sometimes thinking of a whole year at once can feel overwhelming. Break your bigger goals into smaller quarterly goals or list just the first step. Do that, then pick the next step.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas this year and enjoy some of the goals you started this year by next year.