Ask HN: Tips for goal setting in 2017?

I'm a fan of GTD, though I don't follow it strictly. My main takeaway is well summarized here: http://gettingthingsdone.com/fivesteps/.

Capture my goals (make running a habit, learn Rust, learn Spanish).

Clarify what that means for each of those things.

Running: MW go for a 5k run @ about 4pm. Done. Now it's in my calendar.

Rust: read the Rust book, create a practice project (which goes into more actions).

Spanish: Get a grammar, a frequency dictionary, a tutor, set aside daily time for reading/review/flashcards.

Organize these, in this case by scheduling time. Sometimes material resources or coordination with others (tutor in the Spanish case), as well. I try to decide whether an activity needs a set time (running) or just any time each day (Spanish w/ Duolingo and Memrise). Look at the calendar and schedule the ones that need a proper time. Daily activities get put in for every day, I can see when I have too many and need to cull my projects, aspirations, or start setting aside dedicated time (Duolingo now actually gets 6-6:30am, basically the 3rd thing I do after waking each day).

Different tools I've found useful: OmniFocus for general organization and project management. Org-mode for delving into details on projects (particularly programming). Notebook and pen for carrying around daily and writing down these things before I forget them.

Get used to working towards your goal daily/weekly. Try to be consistent on the time, schedule it (specific time) if you have to. Otherwise you slip a week, and it becomes two, and then it never happens.

Start chasing them today ! Seriously. You will have a 2 weeks head start :)

Let the goals give you a sense of direction. It doesn't matter (well it probably does if you're running a business and are watching your margins), but it doesn't matter if you're not reaching your numbers.

Ask absurd questions. Ask silly questions like: "What could I do to profit from this method next year and make 1000% more than I usually do?" or

"How many strengths do I have right now that I can build on, and maximize production / sales?"

Make them SMART. Be specific, make them measurable, attainable, relevant and time sensitive.

Hmm I'm learning good habits are often more valuable than good goals. That, and measure yourself by how well you're sticking to the habits, rather than any concrete results. Those are less immediate, and you might stop the habit before you realize you're getting results.

For 2017, my goal setting is going to be focused on processes: e.g. work out x times which I can flow down to y per week, rather than "increase one-rep bench press max to 300 lbs". I think checking my progress more frequently will let me make course corrections in a more timely manner.

a piece of paper and a pen. Oh, you need goals too...