Set goals – reach goals? Really? Yes, really!
Hopefully goal setting doesn’t sound like a chore to you! It’s a fabulous opportunity to refocus our futures with intention and direction.
Convinced Goals are Grrrreat!
Year after year I am more convinced that this important habit has a priceless value. Goals motivate us and help us focus on the “important” and not just the “urgent” in our day to day lives. Going with the “flow of life” and enjoying moments “as they come” is important too, but deliberate focus on goals is life-changing.
Let’s be honest…we likely won’t achieve all our goals but be assured that focus on direction brings results when we intentionally devote our time and energy.
- Write your goals and keep them somewhere you can see them frequently.
- Organize goals by areas or by roles. For example, I organize by areas like financial, spiritual, educational, marriage, health, etc. Others organize goals by roles like wife, mother, coach, writer, etc.
- Make sure your goals are specific and measurable.
- Set some ‘slow’ goals that take time to achieve and stick to them through multiple years. (For example, learning a language or saving for a once in a lifetime trip)
- Add an audacious goal. Allow yourself to dream big.
- List benefits of achieving your goals.
- Review last year’s goals for successes and carry-over ideas. Keep a list of goals you achieved.
- Review, review, review your goals and act, act, act on them!
- Don’t get discouraged of past failures or shortcomings. You are setting goals! It is an opportunity to celebrate. To reach 60% of your goals is a lot more than 0% of zero goals.
My Failure, My Success
My goal to attend Toastmasters, a public speaking organization, was not achieved for five or six years before I finally joined. Without the goal, I’m sure I never would have gone. Sometimes taking a step toward a goal can be scary…but let’s do it afraid! I know we won’t be sorry.
Below are a couple other articles my husband and I have written on goals…enjoy.
Improve Your Life – Goal Setting Will Really Help!
A New Year – Honing Some Habits