In my previous post I discussed what goals I have for the new year. In todays post I want to share with you how I will accomplish those goals:
- Set manageable goals – Goal setting is about more than the goals, it's about knowing your limits and then pushing past them. In order to do that you have to create goals that are realistic, yet will stretch you personally or professionally.
- Set short term and long term goals – When setting your goals it's important to know the end goal first, then break up that goal into shorter smaller goals that will help you accomplish your overall long term goal. This will help you manage your goals, as well as make them more likely to be accomplished. In addition, you will experience many smaller successes which will help you focus on completing your goal. Once your deadline has come, you will be able to see progress even if your over-all goal isn't met.
- Have a plan – In addition to having short and long term goals, it's important to have a plan of action. Ask yourself what how you can be successful before you start. Many times it can be overwhelming to look at the bigger picture. This is when it can be helpful to have a plan and start with step one. Next you work on step two, and so forth, this will help you overcome paralysis by analysis.
- Write it down – Write your plans down as well as your goals. Both of these things you can use to encourage your progress. In addition to seeing your goals on paper, it helps you prepare and work through your challenges and the steps you must take to complete your goals.
- Tell someone – This can be great for accountability as well as encouragement. In addition to telling someone, try to find someone who has similar goals as your own. This way you can go through your goals together and give mutual encouragement.
- Set reminders – This is an important step, place your goals in places you will see them. You could make little notes for yourself or put your plan on your desk. The more often you see your goals the more often you will be forced to deal with them, and hopefully act on them.
- Create ways to implement it daily – Along with putting reminds where you will see them, make sure that your goals include small steps that can be implemented every day. For instance, if you want to lose weight, make one step to refrain from snacking after dinner. You can place reminders in the kitchen, on the cupboards, or wherever you normally snack.
- Give yourself grace when you fail – And you will probably fail, the key is to not give up. If you do snack one day after dinner use it as a learning experience. DON'T GIVE UP! Remember, we are in it fo the long haul.
- Visualize yourself completing the goal – This is important, you have to believe you can accomplish what you have set as your goal. When you visualize your goals you also make it that much more likely that you will accomplish them.
- TAKE ACTION – None of the other tips matter if you don't take action. You must put your plan into action. Take the small steps, each step is one step closer to your goal. If you visualize completing you goal, you already know that your efforts will be worth it!
What actions are you taking this year to accomplish your goals? Do you have any other additional tips? Leave them in the comments.
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