Have you ever set a goal and broken it?
Did dry January only last until your friend’s party on the 15th? Was Lent broken 30 days early by that divine chocolate pudding? Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that New Year’s resolutions are a waste of time. Goals set at any time of the year are crucial for those of us that really want to grow and achieve.
What are your expectations of you?
If you have no expectations, then it’s a good chance that you will live up to this and achieve nothing of any significance. That’s fine if you choose to do this, but make sure it is a choice. If you don’t plan what you are going to do in life, then it’s amazing how others will happily fill that gap with their own wants and needs. Are you going to let someone else take the steering wheel and drive your life?
Where to start?
Sit down with pen and paper, count down from 5 and start writing. Goal setting books can be helpful for some people. I use ‘Living my best year ever’ by Darren Hardy. It’s undated so you can choose your start date.
What’s important to you?
List all the things you want to achieve in the next 10 years. Go through the list and cross out the less-important stuff. Ask yourself questions.
- Why am I bothered if I don’t achieve this?
- Why would I feel so proud to have achieved this?
- Why is that important to me?
Don’t skip these questions because on route to achieving your goals you are going to cross crocodile invested waters and climb mountains, metaphorically speaking. You must determine to cope with adversity and so need solid underlying reasons. Not just because it’s a nice idea or to impress others.
Next steps
From your remaining list, consider what you need to accomplish within the next year to meet your long-term goals. Break your overarching goals down into steps which are achievable in shorter time frames. Set quantifiable targets with deadlines, so you know if you are hitting these goals? Little incremental movements forwards will make you feel more confident as you hit each mini goal. You will be able to keep a check on progress and adjust stay on track. This will help you to remain motivated as you look back and see that you are making a difference.
Be accountable
Not by someone who will say “Ah there, never mind, you’ve had a tough month”. If you truly want to achieve these goals, do not give yourself an opt out exit.
Give yourself rewards
If I do this by this, then I will have a massage, buy a new dress, hire a cleaner, book a weekend away. It’s amazing how you will race to the finish line.
Include all aspects of your life
Health, mental, relationship, financial, lifestyle, spiritual and family goals as well as business. You need to have balance to be truly happy. Paul J Meyer devised ‘The Wheel of Life.’ Here is a link to a useful explanation.
Please, Please Please don’t berate yourself if you miss a target.
Nothing is gained by this. If you strive for something and fall short, you will still have achieved more than you would have done without these efforts. So be proud of what you have done, pick yourself up, and work towards the next one. Above all, have fun with it. This is your life, your hopes, dreams and aspirations that you are turning into goals and plans. Own it.
About Heather
Heather Johns has raised two wonderful children on her own alongside 14 years of Robins Nursery, Hove. She is passionate about children’s well-being and equality for all. She runs a payroll bureau and is the Brighton MNC Manager. She believes that continual personal and professional growth is the key to happiness.
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