Setting Goals for the New Year
There is nothing magical about making a New Year’s resolution and I absolutely do not like when I read that they don’t work. The human psyche is an amazing thing and there is something about that word "new" that stimulates the desire for change. I believe that resolutions do work and what we need to do, is to work them, in other words, take action. How can we do this without getting overwhelmed? We need to create a plan that incorporates manageable steps...
Write Down Your Goals
My suggestion is write down your goals and make sure they are realistic and not too much out of your reach. It isn’t effective to tackle ten New Year’s goals all at once and especially not during a world-wide pandemic. The last thing anyone needs right now is added stress. Look at your list and plan it out and ask yourself these questions:
· Is the goal achievable within a realistic time frame?
· How many action steps will you need to take in order to achieve it?
· Will you need the support of others in order to accomplish it?
· Is there time in your schedule for your goal and are you ready to commit to it?
· Can you make room in your schedule for You and your resolutions?
· Do you need support in order to get excited about your goals?
Start with One Goal
Look at the list you created and choose one goal and break it down into steps…it doesn’t matter how many steps there are; it is important to lay it all out. I encourage you to create steps that are smaller but achievable and this will bring you small successes that ultimately push you forward. Personally, I find for myself that I don’t need to reinvent the wheel and I can get to my goal faster by learning from someone that has already achieved a similar goal. Get support and create a plan that works for you. It may not be perfect but who cares; there is so much to learn in the process.
Schedule Your Action Steps
Yes, that’s right, put them on your calendar…do not hope you will wake up each day and you will figure it out. I reassure you that this will cause a lot of stress. Create a weekly plan and stick to it. Maybe exercise is your goal for the year and if you are new to it…decide what exercise is right for your fitness level. Start by reviewing your options and think about what you like to do…perhaps you are fond of dancing and can find a way to make dancing your form of exercise. You might want to consult a professional such as a personal trainer or even your doctor for expert support. Once you have made your choice, schedule time slots on your calendar and commit to that time. Make a mental note to give 100% of yourself and work the steps that you have planned, you deserve that time.
Keep on Going
Make sure to record all of your successes, you may find yourself falling off at times, but you can look back and see how far you have come. This will give you the encouragement to keep on moving forward and even jump back on the plan. Always honor where you are at the moment and know that perfection is not the secret to achieving a goal. It is a willing spirit, that knows that they deserve to live their best life Now! We should never stop believing in the possibilities that lie ahead…Be all you can be, today, this year and for the rest of your life!
xoxo, Lucy