How to Track Your Goals in Google Sheets

Summary.

• Step  1 - Setting up the Tracker.
• Step 2 - Enter your Monthly Habits and Goals.
• Step 3 - Using the Tracker.
• Step 4 - Reflect and Review. 

Habits play an important role in our lives. They don't happen automatically so it's important to record them in a habit and goals tracking system. We tend to choose the easy way and follow the path of least resistance. But if you want to change your life, be intentional in building your habits and goals. 

Start small when building habits. What matters most is the thing you do but how consistent you are. A tracking system can give us a sense of accomplishment when we do well and can help keep us motivated in the long run. 

Once you have developed some solid habits, you can build on them or create new habits related to those you already established. For example, if you previously committed to reading books for 30 minutes, you can increase it to 45 minutes a day. Simultaneously, be careful not to overdo it or you might experience burned out!

To help out community built more intentional habits and maintain them, we're sharing the Tracker that keeps our team consistent and focused. 

Step 1. Setting up the Tracker. 

We understand flexible is key, so regardless if you start the tracker at January or June, all functionality will still work. 

1. Enter the year.
2. Select the Starting Month. 
3. Select the Starting Day (Sunday, Monday, or etc.).
4. Watch the Tracker automatically update based on steps 1-3.

Figure 1. Step 1. Setting up the Tracker.

Step 2. Enter your Monthly Habits. 

Each Month is a fresh start and we know life can be unexpectedly difficult to plan, so one way this tracker encourages consistency is by allowing yourself to set a goal (# of days the habit was practiced/completed).

1. Each month has capacity for 5 habits or goals. 
2. You can choose to use all 5 spots or just the ones you need.
3. For each monthly goal, set the goal. 
4. Sit back and watch the Monthly Calendar auto-populate with goals for each date.

Figure 2. Step 2. Set Monthly Habit.

Figure 3. Step 2. Set Monthly Goals.

Step 3. Using the Tracker.

Now we're ready for the exciting part! Give yourself a boost of serotonin as you complete your habit(s). We're more likely to continue an activity when it is associated with a positive reward, even if the reward is as infinitesimal as ticking off a box. Plus, it feels nice to have a visual of your goals and accomplishments. Lastly, you can check off the box regardless if you use the Tracker on a laptop, mobile (Google Sheets App), or tablet device (Google Sheets App).

1. Check off the box corresponding to the Habit you completed. 
2. Once checked off, the corresponding Habit will be crossed out. 
3. The Monthly Progress Bar Chart will automatically update based on steps 1 and 2. 

Figure 4. Step 3. Crossing out Habits.

Step 4. Reflect and Review. 

At the end of every month, compare your Goal and Completion for each habit. Write down your thoughts in the Notes Section. 

At the end of the year, use the line chart at the top of the Tracker to get a pulse on your annual completion. Remember, habits are difficult to build and consistency is even hard to maintain so don't overly resent your lack of progress if you didn't reach your goal. Instead,  reflect on the months that went well and jot down 3 things that worked well for you. Lastly see if you are able to replicate actions that worked well for you in maintaining your habit!

Figure 5. Step 4. Reflect on Annual Progress.

If you have questions or suggestions, please comment below. In the meantime, Happy Planning!