There’s nothing like a new year that brings about goals and resolutions for ways we want to improve our lives. Some common goals that people set (myself included) are lose weight, eat healthier, quit smoking, drink less, exercise more, go back to school, find a better job, work on relationships…and the list can go on. These are all great goals. I don’t think anyone would feel upset with accomplishing these things. Nevertheless, we fail…year after year.
First off, let’s think of goals more practically.
Why am I doing this? What’s the benefit? Why does it matter? Who does it really matter to? Is this my goal or someone else’s? What’s the timeline on my goal? When do I know I’ve reached it?
SMART goals is a great tool when goal setting.
Be Specific
Make it Measurable
Is it Attainable/Achievable
Am I being Realistic
What is my Timeline
Once you nail down your plan for this goal, it has to be a daily goal. Let’s take the weight loss goal as an example. You can’t think about 5 months from now and being 30 pounds lighter, because you have to get through today and not eat all the Oreos…or the ice cream, or whatever that thing is today that will hinder you from reaching your goal 5 months from now. And then we break it down it even more…to the hour. I know I have to go to the grocery store and I’m planning ahead of time that I will not buy the junk food and I already allotted time for myself to exercise today.
Personally, I had to think of school this way or I NEVER would have finished. It took me 9 years to complete my bachelor’s degree. There were babies born, I changed majors (twice), and had to go part time during some of my education because I worked. But every new semester was a new beginning. I looked at my syllabus with all my assignments and all that mattered was that class, that assignment, that day. Take baby steps, and stay present.
The more days we have that we can call a success, the more likely we are to be successful and reach those goals. The future comes regardless of our preparation, so do the things today that your future self will be proud of.
You got this!
-Liz
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