I've waited too long to post this, we need to get moving. First we need to discuss your goals! Each time the new year comes around do you regret forgetting your resolutions? I fit into that category! Embarrassed at the fact that I let 12 months go by and can't remember what I was going to do beside work, cook, and do laundry! Oh, I know as I remind myself, "I know losing weight was one of them, pay off debt, get good grades in school, and travel somewhere outside of the US." As the list begins to unfold in your mind, the results are invisible! Here are a few tips on setting goals: be realistic, don't take on more than you can handle, set time frames, have someone hold you accountable, then reassess and evaluate your progress.
Being realistic on how much you can accomplish with the amount of time and investment you can make is essential in breaking the cycle of unaccomplished goals. To set goals can seem like an overwhelming task especially after you look at the list you wrote down. (Don't stress, take a deep breath!) Write down your goal or goals, then in order to accomplish your goal set amount of time (time frame) needed to accomplish the task. Do you need one day, one month, one year, or several years? Do you need money to start, time, what material good are necessary to get started with your goal? Once you have written down you list with columns of time frame and needs, then prioritize! Short-Term (days to a month), intermediate (month to several months), and long-term (a year or more). Set the short term goals on top of your list and goals that need more time to fulfill on the bottom of your list. Determine what you can do daily, weekly, and monthly to accomplish your goals! Transfer this information/list to remind yourself frequently!
Don't take on more than you can handle! Sometimes, we want to achieve more than is realistic considering that there are 24 hours in a day, we need to eat, sleep, manage our careers, take care of our loved ones, and have fun too. Begin with your short term goals and then set time in your day/week to get started. Just as if you would make it an appointment or schedule to see your doctor; set 2 or 3 days a week, 30 minutes each segment to work on your goal! Attempt to make it part of your day, rather trying to accomplish it all at one time.
The truth about goals is no one can really know what your goals are unless you've shared them with someone. Let a spouse, friend, or co-worker know what you are attempting to accomplish and tell them how they can help you. For example, if you are trying to lose weight and your spouse does all the shopping in the house write them things that you want them to pick up for you at the grocery store and a list of things not to buy. Get your family and friends involved this type of support is important as they can encourage you through over-coming barriers, moments that can pose as challenging, and when circumstances may seem impossible. Let's say you decide you want to walk on your lunch breaks, 30 minutes everyday a co-worker that knows you are walking can remind you it's that time, and they may decide to join you. Not only are you achieving your goals, getting support, but perhaps involving a friend in an activity that is beneficial for both of you! Then when you return and notice the large brownie platter in the break-room, you and your walking friend will look at each other and say, "not worth it!" Get others to join you.
The best way to know how well you are doing is to measure your progress on your goals! Every four weeks set time to reassess and evaluate goals that have been accomplished, set reminders in your calendar or on your phone so you don't forget! This is where it feel good to check off all the things you have accomplished and evaluate if you need to step it up, keep your pace, or completely done! Take your black sharpie and strike a line through losing 4 pounds from walking 30 minutes at lunch everyday, then celebrate! Yes it does feel good so decide on a "healthy" way to celebrate your accomplishments. Buy a new pair of shoes or new outfit. Be sure to maintain, don't get caught in the trap of you did it and that's it continue to maintain your momentum. I've heard it a saying that goes like this, "it takes 21 days to create a habit." The beginning is the hardest and you will have some better days and some days may not be as good. There will be ups and downs, learn from each day, keep a journal or write notes and review them these are the little things that remind you how bad you want to accomplish your goal! Be patient with yourself too.
Get started on your goals and let me know how you do!
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