Preparing for the Year Ahead

As we approach the upcoming year, it is a good time to review the goals we set out for ourselves in 2011. How did you finish up? Did you achieve them all? Are some still incomplete? Were some goals completely off the charts and no matter how hard you tried, they stayed out of your reach?

Goal setting takes some time and thought. Too often people strike a list of things they want to do and give little or no thought to how they are going to achieve it. Moreover, the goal itself may not be clear or well enough defined and as a result, your passion for it soon fizzles.

When setting goals for 2012, use these simple strategies to guarantee success:

1. Keep your list of goals to just a few. If you have an overwhelming number of things you want to achieve, it will be difficult to stay focussed. After you accomplish a goal, you can add a new one.
2. Write down your goal and then rewrite it until it is crystal clear to say exactly what you want to achieve. For example, it is not sufficient to say that you want to increase your exercise and improve your physical image. If you want to decrease your body fat by a certain percentage or take off a specific number of pounds then state that. Be specific about how you are going to increase your exercise. E.g. I will incorporate two 1-hour walking sessions each week.
3. Strategize! Break each one of your goals down by asking yourself these questions: Where am I now? Where do I want to be? What is it going to take to get me there? Who can I ask to help me? Don’t be afraid to ask for support! We are more likely to achieve our goals when surrounded by people who support us in the process.
4. Prioritize and organize the steps you came up with in point number 3. Put these steps into a plan and give yourself a timeline to complete each step.
5. Monitor progress regularly and be flexible! Goals do not necessarily have to be etched in stone. Measure your progress and take time to celebrate your successes (big and small) as you move toward the goal. Maintain some flexibility as you take the journey. You may decide to restate your goal and develop new strategies along the way. That’s okay.
6. Have fun! As an FYI… don’t be afraid to set some goals. I scoured my 2012 day timer thoroughly and the end of the world is not listed anywhere as an event or holiday!

Happy New Year everyone! May you find all the peace, joy and happiness you deserve in the coming year. God Bless.

Photo Credit: Vlado
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