Setting goals, reaching goals.

It’s that time where everyone starts making SOME kind of resolution for the coming year.  

What were your goals last year?

Don’t remember?

Did you write them down?

Writing them down is your first step in achieving goals. Here’s how:

Sit down to think about this goal plan when you have time set aside and you are mentally awake & present. Why? Because this is important! If you’re feeling a bit less than energetic when making this plan, it will show in how high you’re shooting and your belief in yourself will be lacking.   Go through this list with each of your goals (business, finance, health, family, time management, property, etc).    Anything you want to accomplish – apply this list.

***If you have kids, this can be made fun for them by translating it into pictures, which adults also use and make as “vision boards”.  Kids are WAY more visually-oriented than the average adult. It keeps kids motivated when they see their favorite family members (“spend more time with grandpa”)  family trip pictures (next time I want to ski down that hill by myself), career-oriented pictures (firefighter, logger, sports star, whatever dad is, etc.) on their specially made poster up on their wall.  They can add/detract as they live with the poster, it makes it interactive and keeps it on their mind whenever they see it. This activity will really help you connect with your child’s inner wants and needs.

Let's get started:

(In each step below we’ll refer to an example so we’ll take a common one; let’s say you want to lose weight.)

1. Be specific about your goal.
A general a statement doesn’t have enough oomph. You need some drive and power in a statement by really getting into the point of what you want. Set a specific goal.

In our example: Instead of “I want to lose weight” say “I want to lose 5 to 10 pounds." Even better than pounds, aim for those jeans that fit you last year (and you still have) but are now tight. That is very specific and physically present goal that is completely within reach...right in your closet. While there are several variables, one pants/dress size is about 8 pounds. Those pants shouldn’t be a reminder of the inches you’ve gained, they should be the trophy you earn for the inches you’ll lose.

2. Set a realistic goal.
Of all people, YOU know YOU and what you can do and who you are right now. Your starting point needs to be considered. Don’t kid yourself but don’t sell yourself short. Get it set in your head in order to make this goal achievable and sustainable.

In our example: It might be tempting to say “well, 10 years ago I was able to lose weight easy & worked out __ hours a day…” That might not cut it for who you are NOW. Your starting point and circumstances may be different today than they were (sedentary, stressful job, spouse, family, sporting & school events for kids). Adaptations can be made to set aside the time you need, incorporating small changes here and there add up.

3. Establish a plan to reach your goal.
What have others done to reach a similar goal? Don’t re-invent the wheel, learn from others. Go to the library or bookstore, attend seminars, look online for groups that are similarly aimed. Map out the plan with specific steps that will get you to your goal. Arm yourself with knowledge to avoid being tripped up by small challenges. Pick up reputable glossy magazines with pictures to keep your goal in focus.

In our example: “I’ll exercise and eat right” is a good mantra but again, it’s too general. Say things like “I'm going to exercise four times a week” (work out the days that are best for you) and “I'm going to eat smaller portions," (which might mean getting smaller plates for the house and SEEING smaller portions on your restaurant plate, doggie-bagging the rest). Keep athletic shoes in your car. Set up workout appointments with friends. Sign up for a 5k, 10k, marathon training program (I found a local running shoe store has it’s own FREE program).

4. Set a time frame to reach your goal.
Consider you schedule and work within the confines of your life doings. Look at your plan and allow yourself adequate time to get there, but not enough time to get lazy about it. Conversely, if you set an impossible time-frame you set yourself up for failure. Wanting it isn’t enough, you need to give yourself the time to attack this goal full force.

In our example: “I need to lose weight for my reunion, the wedding, the …” That is fine BUT after that special event passes, then what? You’re in this for YOUR life which IS a special event! It’s chock-full of special events from now until forever! Maybe start with thirty days as a manageable goal to start with, and then go from there.

5. WHY are you doing this? 

What is your WHY? Keep THAT reason in your mind and at the ready when your energy is lacking and your motivation is flagging and you’re ready to throw in the towel. This reason can be selfish & private or selfless & public or anywhere in between.

In our example: Is your reason that you want to have washboard abs? you want to get off your medications? don’t want to be out of breath after one flight of stairs? you want to play with your kids and be around and vital for your grandkids? you want to look hot in stylish clothes? you want to be proud of what you see in the mirror and the photos you see of yourself on Facebook?

It’s YOUR specific reason and yours alone so there’s no reason to feel weird about it. This is about you being an active participant in your own life. Take charge!  

And if you ARE looking to lose weight and get healthy in 2011 or start a business in this area, consider going to EarningFitness.com and selecting a 6-week, 60-day or 90-day workout program that comes complete with nutrition advice and a free coach (Me!).