I said before Christmas that I would not be setting resolutions, just things to do more or less of. I’m sticking to that, but I am going to set some goals for 2016.

Myself and Geraldine were HUGE One Tree Hill fans. In fact, we pretty much like any American US teen drama!

In One Tree Hill, two of the main characters, Lucas and Hayley make a secret prediction / dream each year on a piece of paper, and hide it in a tin behind a brick in a wall. They share it with one another at the end of the year, to see if it had come true. Each year they add a new predication or dream to this list.

We talk a lot in financial planning about dreams, ambitions, wants, needs, and of course setting goals.

These are all pretty much the same thing, after all – a goal is just a dream you have with a deadline attached – well if its realistic it can be!

In my last blog I talked about the Bridge of Wellbeing and that the first pillar for this bridge is setting values and goals. These values and goals start with dreams and ambitions and are just narrowed down.

I read an article about getting organised, this included the normal things like using one calendar, getting rid of old unwanted papers, getting your paperwork ready for the tax year-end and feng shui in your office. But is also suggested the following:

1.Make a list of your goals

• Write down at least 10 goals you want to accomplish in your lifetime. Be specific. Then put the list away and update it again next year.

2. Choose one or two goals you want to accomplish this year.

• Maybe it will be to make more money or take a fabulous holiday. How will you accomplish that goal? What amount of money will you need? How will you do it? Type that information out in a clear sentence, put by your bedside, and read it every morning and every night to help inspire you to reach your goals.

So, I have just sat down and done this. The first one is hard, but I will revisit it again next year and no doubt some things will change. The second was easier for me, I find it easier to think of short-term goals than lifetime ones.

I think most people are the same – and that’s when having a Financial Planner to help you build a personal financial plan can be of great benefit. It lays out a plan for your life, based on your values and goals and encompasses a financial and investment strategy.

However, it’s not set in stone, it’s a projection, a living and breathing thing, that will need revisiting and amending as circumstances change and live evolves. Just like me revisiting my 10 goals next year.

I’m off to find somewhere to hide my list.