Goal Setting: If I Could Do Anything… Well, I Would JUST DO IT!

Goal Setting: If I Could Do Anything… Well, I Would JUST DO IT!

We live in such a fast paced society today and so few of us actually take the time to think about our goals, let alone write them down. Studies show that you are far more likely to actually accomplish your goals if you write them down. The goals you set should be obtainable and something you actually want to accomplish. If you set a goal that is too far fetched, you may not accomplish it and will not feel the gratification of having made a plan and followed through. Another key element to setting goals is finding someone or a group that you can share these goals with. When you write your goals down you only are accountable to yourself; however, when you share your goals with others you now are accountable to them. This is because you have told others what you plan to accomplish and now they are part of helping you reach your target.

1. The first step is finding a goal that you want to accomplish whether it is fitness related, nutritional, personal, or service oriented. You can set multiple ones at once, but as long as they are reasonable enough to accomplish in your time frame.

2. This leads to the next key element, a time frame. It can be that week, three months, by the New Year, or even five years from now, but you need to set a time frame. This will help you focus to complete your goal in a realistic amount of time.

3. Next, you need to write these goals down and place them somewhere that you can see every day. This provides you with a constant reminder of where you want to be and what you want to accomplish.

4. Finally, find someone to share your goals with. You can tell your friends or you can actually sit down in a small group and share ideas. This step is not necessary, but does help you brainstorm and provides you with support.

I encourage any of those reading to write down your goals and check in on them a couple of times a month to see where you are at in your plan. The goals you set can be eating one extra fruit or veggie a day, sending letters to family, working out five times a week, to even spending each evening in meditation or prayer. The options are endless and should be personalized for you and what you want from yourself!

Everyone enjoys finishing something they set out to accomplish! Find a notebook and write those goals down. It doesn't take long to do and is so valuable to you and your future plans.