We’re nearly halfway through the year 2020–so far marked by tragic losses and widespread panic due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

As we approach that midpoint, it’s a good time to check in on the goals you set for yourself in January to complete this year. Are you halfway there? Maybe some of your goals were interrupted because of the virus situation, like mine to run a half marathon (the race was postponed until further notice).

Things happened that we couldn’t have possibly predicted, and that’s okay. What’s important moving forward is to

• acknowledge that you may not achieve all of your goals for this year because of situations out of your control
• not use this virus as an excuse to give up for the rest of the year
• restructure your goals to hold up in situations that may come up for the next six months

Before we know it, the year will be over. The new decade will be in full swing with wilder scandals and shockers of its own.

But maybe now you have a more accurate picture of which goals you’re close to and which one’s won’t happen this year. Draw out your realistic, best outcome for 2020.

And then, pick up the pen and write 2021 at the top of the page. Here’s why:

More time to modify them

“A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.”
― George S. Patton

If all hell breaks loose again by January, you’ll have a list of goals to modify before the year even begins. That way, you’ll have more clarity on what specific action you can take to get things done.

You’ll be able to adjust for circumstances before the year begins without having to feel guilty that you weren’t able to achieve your goals.

More time to plan

“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.”
— Alan Lakein

You’ll have the next six months to add goals as they come up, as you reach new milestones this year. If you change your mind or decide to up your goal, you can plan accordingly.

Creating an action plan in advance will ensure that you’re more likely to be committed to consistently practicing your goals.

See the bigger picture

“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.”
― Yogi Berra

By mapping out what you want to have achieved by the end of next year, you’ll gain perspective on your current goals and feel motivated that you’re on the right track.

To get to your long-term goals, you need to first think about today. What you do today brings you to tomorrow, and by designing your life this way, you’ll have a clear vision for what your future will look like.