Every year I encourage my team members at Ancora to write down both personal and professional goals they would like to accomplish in the coming year. I firmly believe that when goals are committed to paper and revisited often, the probability of achieving them increases dramatically. The simple act of writing forces reflection, intention and discipline, all of which are essential for sustained success.
Writing down your goals is the first and most critical step. Putting both personal and professional objectives in writing immediately creates accountability. Documenting goals establishes a sense of commitment, which I believe in turn makes an individual far more likely to follow through. There is something powerful about seeing your intentions clearly stated rather than loosely held in your mind.
Clarity is another major benefit. When goals are written out, they sharpen what you truly want to achieve and help create focus throughout the year. They also force prioritization because time and energy are limited, so deciding what matters most becomes essential. A written list serves as a constant visual reminder of what you are working toward, which can be highly motivating, especially during busy or challenging periods.
However, writing goals down is only the beginning. To make them actionable, you must drill deeper and outline the specific steps required to achieve each one. Those steps form a roadmap that transforms ambition into execution. This process also highlights the resources you may need, whether that is training, mentorship, technology or simply more dedicated time. When goals are broken into manageable components, progress feels attainable rather than overwhelming.
Once your goals are on paper, reviewing them regularly is just as important as setting them in the first place. Ongoing review reinforces your commitment to your values and aspirations, and keeps your pursuits meaningful rather than routine. It brings clarity when distractions arise and helps you stay focused on what truly matters.
Celebration is also part of the process. When you reach a goal, large or small, take time to acknowledge that achievement. Success breeds more success, and recognizing progress builds confidence in your ability to continue moving forward. Regular review also allows you to identify obstacles as they emerge. When challenges appear, you can develop strategies and action steps to overcome them rather than letting setbacks derail your momentum.
I have been writing down goals for many years, both personally and professionally. Some change from year to year, while others seem to reappear as reminders of longer-term aspirations I am still working toward. There are even goals I may never fully attain, but I strive to get closer to them each year. This process has helped me reinforce my sense of purpose, recognize progress and adjust when circumstances change.
Creating this cycle of accountability and reflection has strengthened my resilience and my belief in my ability to achieve what I set out to do. Regular review keeps me motivated and aligned with where I ultimately want to go.
If you are not currently writing down and monitoring your goals, I would strongly recommend starting. It is a simple practice, but one that can make a meaningful difference in both your professional performance and personal fulfillment. ●
Fred DiSanto is Chairman and CEO of Ancora
