One week ago today, we ushered in a
new month, a new year and a new decade.
On January 1st the majority of people pledged to start the
year strong with new year's resolutions and big goals for 2020 and the coming decade.
Did you start your list? Are you still struggling
to find focus and looking for direction?
Do you have the exact same list as last year? Did you already get overwhelmed, lose motivation and let your
resolutions fizzle out before they really even got starteed?
I created this blog almost a decade
ago as part of one of my new year’s resolutions. My original focus was on goal setting and
achieving bucket list adventures. Today I
decided to revisit some similar concepts in making new year’s resolutions that
are obtainable. Read on and join me in
making 2020 the best year yet!
Step #1. START NOW ... TODAY! As they say,
"don't put off until tomorrow, the things you can do today!" NO
EXCUSES! Even if you are reading this
blog in March, July or even November …. You don’t have to wait for January 1 –
today is your day to make a change!
Step #2. Take time to think and reflect about your priorities and your values, the types of things that are important to you, the things that make you happy, and all the ways you want to continue to grow and evolve in the coming years. Envision your best self and your best life. What words would you use to describe that person? Make a list of ten or more words/values/priorities. This is the time to think big … aim for the stars … envision all that you want to be, to do, achieve and become. Perhaps you wrote down words such as family, faith, health, peace, gratitude, courage, education, career, etc. … you name it. The list is yours – make it your own. Now try to narrow down these words, combine and categorize them into a smaller list (3-4 words if possible). Consider these your core values. You can sort your resolutions and goals into these areas. “Health” is a common value and area of focus. Don't forget that this category can include the health of your mind and your spirit as well as your physical body. Perhaps Family is a priority for you … or maybe your spouse or friendships … perhaps combine them and focus on “Connections". You decide on the categories – again, make it your own!
Step #3. Be S.M.A.R.T. Now is the time to
make a list of your goals. You can make
a large, exhaustive list or just pick a few to start. Look at the list you compiled last year. Did you achieve these goals? Make progress? Are these things still important to you? As you create your list of 2020 goals,
remember that they should be “S.M.A.R.T” -- in other words:
·
Specific
·
Measurable
·
Attainable
·
Relevant
·
Time Bound
Do you want to lose ten pounds or get in shape? Learn a new skill, get a certification,
license or degree? How will you know if
you reached your goal? Be specific. When
and how will (and can) you accomplish it? Remember - you don’t have to change the world – just find ways to make
small changes so that today is better than yesterday and so you have a vision for
an even brighter tomorrow.
Step #4. Plan of Attack. Look at your list of S.M.A.R.T goals and now make a list of action plans or things you can do this month, this week, or even TODAY! Think of action plans that can span across categories ... in other words, if you want to spend quality time with your family and you want to see the ocean .... add "take a family cruise" to your list of goals for this year. Then decide what you can do today. Make action items of researching places to go, discussing schedules, booking your flights. If you want to exercise for your health and you want to spend more time with a friend, make it a task to go for a walk with that friend. Break larger items into smaller tasks. If you dream of being a writer, make it a task to write a journal or a poem, take a writing class or start a blog.
Step #5. Take Action. Now go ahead and do a task or two on your list today ... then continue on until you have tackled a few more items for the week, the month, the year and so on ... continue to add more items to your list as you cross tasks off. Of course, if you think of a new goal you want to achieve or area you need to improve ... go ahead and add it, do it ... and then write it down and check it off! You can add new goals in February, July or September if you want. No matter what, just get started TODAY – your best self awaits!
Step #4. Plan of Attack. Look at your list of S.M.A.R.T goals and now make a list of action plans or things you can do this month, this week, or even TODAY! Think of action plans that can span across categories ... in other words, if you want to spend quality time with your family and you want to see the ocean .... add "take a family cruise" to your list of goals for this year. Then decide what you can do today. Make action items of researching places to go, discussing schedules, booking your flights. If you want to exercise for your health and you want to spend more time with a friend, make it a task to go for a walk with that friend. Break larger items into smaller tasks. If you dream of being a writer, make it a task to write a journal or a poem, take a writing class or start a blog.
Step #5. Take Action. Now go ahead and do a task or two on your list today ... then continue on until you have tackled a few more items for the week, the month, the year and so on ... continue to add more items to your list as you cross tasks off. Of course, if you think of a new goal you want to achieve or area you need to improve ... go ahead and add it, do it ... and then write it down and check it off! You can add new goals in February, July or September if you want. No matter what, just get started TODAY – your best self awaits!
