5 Tips To Help You Reach Your Goal
I love setting goals because they keep me moving toward my dreams. In my day job as a nurse, I get to help people set goals and figure out what baby steps they can take to move toward their BIG goal. It is so rewarding to celebrate with someone who worked doggedly to claim their self-determined prize. Over the years I have learned a few things that really help people stay focused and reach their long term goals.
Tip 1: START WITH YOUR MOST IMPORTANT GOAL: Choosing your most important goal has a whirl wind effect. If the goal you tackle holds value and meaning to you then you are more likely to achieve it. Value is the golden ticket because value equals motivation and determination. This leads to SUCCESS and SUCCESS adds fuel to your fire, making the next goal you tackle a little easier to achieve. If you did it once, you can do it again!
Tip 2: WRITE DOWN YOUR GOAL: Put that beauty somewhere you will see it every day. Write it in big bold letters, decorate it with glitter paint, and puffy stickers…ok, you can skip the glitter paint and puffy stickers…but write it down! Own that bad boy! Put it on your mirror, your bulletin board, your fridge, above your desk, or even write it in permanent marker on your forehead, wherever you will see it multiple times a day. Remind yourself of what you are GOING to accomplish.
Tip 3: VISUALIZE YOUR GOAL: Create a vision board. As a kid I remember cutting up magazines to create a visual collage. It was filled with pictures of the things I hoped to one day own, or people I wanted to be like, or places I wanted to go and all around the edges were inspirational sayings. The modern version of me would suggest Pinterest. I love Pinterest! You can create a virtual bulletin board with items that represent your goal or things that motivate you or encourage you to keep moving forward. If you don’t want the world to see it, then keep the board private by locking it. You can find pins on just about anything, baking, building, fitness, travel. You can be there until you fall off your seat from sheer Pinterest overload. With Pinterest, the sky is the limit. Warning: You may want to set a timer so you don’t disappear into the Pinterest time warp…
Tip 4: BE VERY SPECIFIC WITH YOUR STEPS: One word of caution, don’t make your goal too ambiguous. Break it down into very specific pieces and assign it a due date.
Here is an example: Large Goal: You can’t just say “Get in Shape” because what does that look like? Lose 5 pounds? Run a 5K ? Or compete in an Iron Man Competition? Be specific.
Here is an example:
Main Goal: On November 9th 2018 at 9:00AM I will run in the breast cancer awareness 5K fund raiser.
then list the small steps you will take to complete this goal.
- Small Step: 1. This Saturday I will buy new running shoes.
- Small Step: 2. On Monday I will start following a 6 week 5K training guide.
- Small Step: 3. Starting today I will drink enough water – ½ my body weight in oz. every day.
- Small Step: 4. Every Saturday (starting this Saturday) I will plan out healthy meals for the week.
- …you get the picture…
The more specific you are, the more you give yourself direction to keep moving forward.
Tip 5: CELEBRATE THE SMALL VICTORIES: Guys, I mean it, celebrate every baby step you accomplish! Dance a jig, throw a party, or send yourself flowers! Find a way to congratulate yourself on a job well done. My sisters and I work out together. There is NO WAY…and I repeat… NO WAY…I would get out of bed at 4:45 IN THE MORNING to drag my butt to the gym if they would not be there waiting for me and vice versa. So each week when we reach our goal, we find time to go out for coffee together (or breakfast…YUM!). Super simple, but I look forward to it every week because it is a marker that tells me I did it! Be kind to yourself and celebrate your victories!
Need a little inspiration to get started on your goal? I’ve made a free printable to help.
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