Got Goals?

I heard someone mention that a big part of our stress level today has to do with the fact that we are a generation of progress. And with progress comes stress. Stress related to change and the uncertainty of the future. Most of us live in a society, or culture, where everything is at our fingertips. And with the technology we have, that is literally true. We want to impress others, triumph those that surround us, stay steps ahead, and focus on distant prospects while neglecting the actuality of now. We probably spend more time dreaming of the imaginary world of “what if” and “if only” more than we actually spend working on making the goals we want to attain happen.

Check out this post: Why You Need To Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone

I’m not saying your shouldn’t be focused on the future. You should. Formulating ideas for what we would like to accomplish in a month, a year, 5 years, helps to keep us motivated and focused. But within that, we need to not lose sight of the life we live today because we are too focused on finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

So, back to the goal setting. Many successful individuals will tell you that this is important. Goal setting gives you drive, keeps you focused. But, if not done appropriately, can do the exact opposite. Let’s hit a few high points as to how we can set goals, and make them happen. Let me also point out that these are tips for myself as well. We all have goals that we want to achieve. Some periodically, some daily, some once in a lifetime. Most of us wish to live a full and successful life, and the definition of “success” will constantly vary among individuals. But, I feel as thought it is safe to say that, whatever you may imagine your personal ideal of success to be, the only way to get there is by accomplishing a few goals along the way.

Let’s get started!

• It is necessary to examine what it is that you actually wish to achieve. What is actually important/necessary for you. This can help keep your goals at a realistic level instead of an insane volume, thus keeping you on track. 
• Know that proper goal setting will adjust the focal track of your life. Be it emotionally, financially, spiritually, within your relationships-based on your goals.
• Realize that accomplishing goals takes hard work. No genie is going to come and grant you 3 wishes. Saying “I want”, snapping your fingers, or clicking your heels together 3 times won’t work either.
• Set goals that keep you motivated. If it motivates you, then you are more likely to be invested and put in the work necessary to accomplish it because it is important to you.
• If you aren’t worried about the outcome of a goal, or it doesn’t seem important in the grand scheme of things, ditch it.
• Prioritize your goals. Whether it be by time, necessity, importance, etc. This helps to increase the focus on those that hold most value, therefore keeping them close in view and increasing the likelihood of success.
• Use the SMART technique. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time Bound). I’m not saying that this will apply easily for all goals, but if it is applicable in any way, use it! This helps to drive focus and hold accountability.
• Write it down. Let me say it again, WRITE. IT. DOWN. I literally write small goals for myself every day. Writing down things I need to do, goals I wish to achieve, makes it visible and real. It also gives me the opportunity of small bouts of glory when I get to mark through a met goal as it is accomplished.
• Take your goals and create a plan of action. Heck, maybe even a plan B just in case. Write down the steps and check them off as you go.
• Make it happen and stick with it. It isn’t enough to jot it down, plan it out, and dream. You have to make it happen.

“It always seems impossible, until it is done.” – Nelson Mandela

For those of you that are like me and find, even getting started, a difficult task and source of anxiety: don’t try to do it all at once. Take one goal at a time. Start small. Heck, maybe even something that is ridiculously easy and doesn’t even seem like a goal. Like folding that load of laundry, trying a simple new recipe, or taking a 30 minute walk. Things that you know you could easily achieve. Then build from there. Don’t let your fear of failure overwhelm you and hold you back.

Have a great week folks!

-Shawna
Copyright © 2017 Shawna: Whole, Hearty, Happy – All rights reserved