Over the past 3 years I have learned so much about life and myself. I feel so much more aware of myself and how I impact others. Through this awareness I plan to be intentional with my words, actions, and goals. I have reflected and come up with a list of 20 ways to stay focused on our goals as we venture through 2020 and beyond.
1. NO TO RESOLUTIONS & YES TO LIFE CHANGES
All too often we create resolutions with no real solutions, and in the end, the problem still exists at the end of the year. I propose, making life changes instead. When we have a real "why" beyond what we can see, we will find a deeper meaning to fulfill the changes needed in our lives. In 2009, my told me I was pre-diabetic and on the verge of developing hypertension. Although both run in my family, I refused to accept this as my future. That year I got myself back on track, cut out certain foods (for good and not a period of time). Thankfully, my pescatarian lifestyle has served me well and my health appreciates it. So...I did not make a resolution to lose weight, instead I make a change in my life necessary to live the life I want without diabetes and hypertension. Let's endeavor to reflect on the life changes necessary to meet our goal(s).
2. BE REALISTIC & KIND TO YOURSELF
As you set your goals for the year whether they are personal, professional, or spiritual remember to be realistic. I know I have set myself up for failure many times in the past by creating lofty goals. Remind yourself that a year is only 365 days and things do happen beyond our control and plans. Leave room for errors, setbacks, family hiccups and mishaps, vacations, illness, and mental blocks. These things are a part of life and leaving room in your goals for the unexpected will allow you to continue on your journey and not feel defeated. With this in mind try not to overwhelm yourself with 20 goals, try 2 and if you reach them before the year's end start working on a new one. It is better to accomplish what you set out to do and celebrate your focus and grind!
3. DRILL DOWN ON GOALS
Once you have outlined your goals, take some time to think about how you plan to reach those goals and outline them. Break your goals down into quarterly, monthly and weekly goals. In other words, take bite sizes!
4. ACCOUNTABILITY, ACCOUNTABILITY
Who? What? When? Where? How? This is the easy part.
Who will be your accountability partner? Spouse, parent, child, sibling, bestfriend..
What exactly are you trying to accomplish? When do you want to have this goal completed? Tuh-NOW! Yes, you MUST have a date. How else will you ever get it done?!
Where do you need to go to complete the task? Starbucks, Panera Bread, BusBoys & Poets..
Where will the completion of this goal elevate you? Leadership position, new job title, salary increase...
Where will you keep your goals organized? Vision board, mirror, check out my Balanced Life Planner & Balance Tool Freebie...
How do you plan to get it done? Need to collaborate? Outline it, make it, try it, purchase it...
How often do you need to work on it to complete it? 2 days a week, 30 minutes each night...
5. PAUSE & LISTEN
When things seem out of whack and spinning out of control, pause. Get yourself back on track by listening to yourself. The warning signs are there for you. Take a minute to regroup and then get back to it!
6. RESEARCH
Hit a roadblock? Look it up! Don't stop pushing yourself towards your goal because of lack of knowledge. That's what Google and YouTube were created for...read it, learn it, teach yourself and do it!
7. TRY IT
Do not chicken out! Who else will bet on you or take a chance on you if you won't? Nothing beats a try, but a failure. Make this the best try you have ever tried. Put your heart into it and just maybe you will surprise yourself with the results.
8. MESS IT UP, DRESS IT UP
Ok, ok...I get it. Maybe you tried it before and it did not go well. If you mess it up, dress it up. How can you fix it? What needs to be tweaked? Confide in a mentor or support partner for a new perspective. Don't turn a hill into a mountain, walk over it!
9. NETWORK
This one can be a challenge if you are an introvert like myself. However, I must tell you it is the best thing for you and me. Talk to people who are doing something similar to what you are doing. Reach out to those with the knowledge base that you need. Attend a conference and connect with others that can support your goal(s). Have a cup of coffee with that person that inspires you to chat about your vision. Get advice, ask questions and build relationships.
10. COLLABORATE
Plan a collaboration with someone from your network group. Think outside of the box. How can working with someone else help you obtain your goal(s)? Collaboration could be a great way to accomplish a goal in a cost effective way. Both parties can grow and benefit!
11. PRAY ABOUT IT
Ask and you shall receive. Pray for your shortcomings, ask for God's strength, guidance and wisdom. Pray over your gifts, ask God to use them for his works. That's it. Just be consistent and know who is ultimately in charge.
12. HAVE FAITH
Nothing will happen if you don't put those thoughts into action. But most certainly, absolutely nothing will happen if you don't have faith. Step into alignment with what God wants for you and allow him to work it out!
13. FAKE IT, 'TIL YOU MAKE IT
Smile, move, dress, and act like it has already happened. Haven't loss the weight you wanted to just yet, SO, keep striving towards it and look great while doing it! Haven't completed that goal to help you increase your salary yet, SO, enjoy life and keep striving toward it and look great while doing it! Haven't finished that project that you want to sell, SO, go get the materials you need with a smile and keep striving towards it and look great while doing it!
14. REVISIT, REVISE & EDIT
But...if the plan was unrealistic to begin with, it is time to revisit the plan. What is realistic with the resources and time you have available? Perhaps you need to scale back until you take off, then add more. It is ok to revise a goal. Hell, you are the one that made it! You don't need permission to hit reset and head in a direction that feels right.
15. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
Are you worried that you haven't started working on your goal yet? Don't be! Start today, tomorrow, or Monday. Something is better than nothing, so better late than never!
16. INCLUDE YOUR MATE
Two heads are better than one. Let your mate in on your dreams, goals, and plans for the year. Support from the person you spend most of your time with is just what you need to stay accountable. Plus, its free coaching!
17. WAIT TIME
Nothing happens overnight, but weather. So, be kind to yourself and allow time to do its thing. Ask yourself, is the goal that I want worth waiting for? Something about fine wine and such should make whatever your goal is, worth the wait.
18. RELAX, RELATE, RELEASE
This one is my favorite and just as important as the others. Remember to take a break from the grind. Yes, the goal is to achieve the goal, but not at the risk of burnout. Slow down from time to time. Even if you have to add it to your calendar and notify your mate and kids, do it! Take a vacation and relax. Actually take in the nature around you, reflect, allow your brain a break and come back to it refreshed and revived.
19. LIVE & LOVE
Spend time with the ones you love and bring out the best in you. There is no better way to recharge than to surround yourself with smiles, hugs, warm vibes and laughter.
20. REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE
A goal is just that, a goal. Should your goal take you to places that do not align with who you are, then it is definitely time to pause and revisit. Achieving goals are only rewarding if you can celebrate them with others and be proud of yourself. So, be graceful in your movements and conversations. At the end of the year no matter what, be grateful that you made it and reflect on what you accomplished just being yourself, remaining focused, and taking a few risks. Good Luck!
Got any other tips? Please share them below. I would love to chat with you about them!
No comments
Post a Comment