Setting Goals that Stick
I have always thought that Summer is a very overlooked time of year to set goals. So many times people letting go of their routines, and just focusing on enjoying the sunshine, being outside and getting away from it all. We literally go into vacation mode. And of course the temperatures are warmer and we are getting outdoors more, but this year seems very different. We usually follow the patterns of the school year, and with kids learning at home and adults working from home in droves, I decided it would be a great time this year to talk about goal setting. So here are my top tips for setting goals that stick: -Choose 10 things you want to do or accomplish this year. This may take a little extra creativity, since we have more constraints right now on things like travel. Big or small, what do you want to make sure happens in all areas of your life over the next year -Have a clear vision of where you are going. When you accomplish those 10 goals, what will your life look like? Envision that end of the year ahead with great detail. What will you look like, and how will you carry yourself? Where will you live, and with who will you surround yourself with in your life? How will accomplishing those goals have impacting you as well as others -Identify your core values, and make sure the goals you are setting are aligned with them. Goals will stick much better when they reflect who you are and what is most important to you. -Pick just 1 goal to focus on at a time. This singular purpose will ensure that you finish, not just start working on your goal. In order to make this work, prioritize your 10 things to accomplish list and start with the smallest goal that can be achieved the fastest, first. There’s nothing like a good solid win to motivate you to move onto the next one! -Create your 6 most important things to-do list for each day-3 personal and 3 professional. Prioritize this list as well and do the most important one first. Getting the most crucial tasks done first will allow you to not be stressed later in the day when unexpected things arise and try to get in your way. If you’re trying to figure out what to do to get you closer to your goals, break down your goal over the 12 months of the next year, then into weeks, and then into days. Good days accumulate and turn into good weeks, when in turn add up to great months and a successful year. -Meditate on your goals and the outcome you envisioned for yourself. Truly see that version of yourself and the life you are building in your mind’s eye. Doing this consistently, each and every day, first thing in the morning, or right before you go to sleep at night-or both-will help you close out and start your days strong with mental clarity and focus. Utilizing these tips will help you to not only set clear, achievable goals, it will also give you something to look forward to each day. And right now especially, having positive goals to look toward and making the best use of the time available to us all is a great way to make the most of this situation. Why not let this Summer be the one where you not only took your vacations (or stay-cations!), but you also got a great kick start to the year ahead? Think of how much further along you will be in September, when most people are just thinking about getting back on track!