Happy New Year! Wow. 2018 is already four days old. This is the time of year when all the news agencies are predicting what will be big in the next months. People are getting ready to purchase their new gym memberships or finally join that food delivery program they see advertised. If you are like most people, you are also thinking over your past year and working out your resolutions. Also, if you are like most people, you may find that you didn’t reach your resolution goals from last New Year’s Eve. OR you might not even remember which goals you set last year! So, how can you make this year different? How can you set and reach your goals successfully? Let me introduce you to something I learned from a teacher WAY back in high school. Smart goals are the new resolutions. Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Timed Specific Make your goal crystal clear. If it is too broad, you may not know what achieving it even looks like. You need your goal to be very defined. Otherwise, you won’t know what you’re shooting for. This is the who, what, where, when, why of statements. E.G. “I want to make a new friend” should be “I want to engage in extracurricular work events to connect with a colleague on a more personal level so that I can find enjoyment in my workplace.” Measurable Attach a number to your goal. Attaching a number is important because it keeps you accountable and you can track your progress. You want to be able to take progress snapshots throughout your year to know if you are on the right path to achieving your goal. E.G. “I want to make more money” should be “I want to make $50,000 this year.” Achievable Be realistic, but stretch. Your year-long goal should not be so attainable that you could achieve it easily tomorrow or even next month. If you want to grow, you need to allow room for growth. Expand your goal just a bit past what you think you can do - you’ll be surprised. BUT, don’t throw all caution to the wind and choose something you absolutely know cannot be achieved, or something this is out of your power to make happen. E.G. “I want to be drafted into the NFL this year” should be “I want to score a touchdown in 90% of my games this season.” Relevant Do you actually care for your goal? Does it really mean something to you or are you just setting a goal to set one? Really think about your priorities and set goals that relate to those priorities. Sure, you can have some fluffy goals too, but those tend to be short-term goals. In the long run, you’ll be much happier achieving your long-term, priority-driven goals. E.G. “I want to learn to ride a bike” could be “I want to be promoted to office manager through achieving certifications in the Microsoft Suite and through networking with the upper-level management at my agency.” Timed To light a fire under yourself, you need to give yourself a deadline. If you don’t give yourself a time limit, you may not hold yourself accountable to finish the job. Not every goal needs to have a year deadline. You might set some goals for three months, six months, two years, or five years. For longer goals, it might be useful to set benchmark goals along the way. E.G. “I want to lose 20 pounds” could be “I want to lose 20 pounds in three months.” As a singer, you might set these all into practice in a series of goals. Your list of 2018 resolutions might look something like this:
Set as many or as few goals as you like, but keep them where you can see them. Post them on your fridge. Write them into your calendar. Put reminder pop-ups on your phone. Find an accountability buddy and check in once a month. For added fun! I’ve reached to a couple GVAI alum to ask about their 2017 highlights and their 2018 goals! Kristen Moye Highlights from 2017: I had two wonderful opportunities that I will remember from 2017... singing and performing in a castle (from the 1400's) in Poppi, Italy. Also, singing the Messiah with orchestra in my hometown. Goals for 2018: To continue to work hard, but not stress as much over music gigs. I want to really enjoy what opportunities come my way without worrying about the next gig before it even comes. Follow Kristin: Instagram @ErickaKristinMoye Anonymous Highlights from 2017: This year, I got to a point where I quit singing. So my favorite musical moment is actually deciding to “unquit” and finding the right reasons for coming back to it. Goals for 2018: My goals are to keep the momentum going from starting back on singing. I’m going to be in an opera for the first time in over a year in March, and I want to take all of the inspiration I’ve gained for singing for the love of music and storytelling and apply it to this performance! Anikka Abbott Highlights from 2017: I put on a recital to raise money for a local domestic violence shelter. I also had my first professional, paid opera gig since I graduated from college recently! Goals for 2018: I am currently applying to graduate schools. My goal is to continue challenging myself with new, difficult music. And improve my German! Follow Anikka: www.anikkaabbott.com or Instagram @anikkaabbott What are your goals for 2018 and how do you plan to reach them? Please share with us. Applications for our Summer Opera Program Die Zauberflöte (Magic Flute) and German Art Song are open now. The program is designed for college students, emerging artists and young professionals. Learn more here and watch our video.
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Most blog posts from June 2017 - June 2018 were written by GVAI's blogger Anikka Abbott who has just started her journalism studies. We already miss her. Learn more about her here or connect with her on Facebook.
Meet ChristineHello, I am Christine, the director of GVAI, a passionate singer, German diction, voice and performance coach. I love music, singing and dancing. Life is an exciting journey and I invite you to walk with me.... |