Life is full of goal setting. Whether they are big or small, goals, if met, help us achieve what we set out to do in life, or they should. The goal is your end point, but we need to also think about what it will take to get there. Just as you’ve seen in various memes online, the road to success is rarely a straight line from point A to point B, it is a winding unpredictable, and often frustrating, road.
Set S.M.A.R.T. GOALS
Goals that you set up must follow the “SMART” method – specific (simple), measurable (meaningful), achievable (attainable), relevant (realistic) and time bound (timely). A good example would be “for the next week, I will wake up each morning at 6AM to meditate affirmations for 5 minutes in my bed.” A less useful goal is “I will meditate every day” because it is too broad and less likely to be met. Just like many come to me with the goal “I want to find love”, while that is a great overarching goal, we often need to break it down into smaller objectives. When you have accurate, realistic, specific goals and plan your process, you are more likely to achieve your goal.
the COSTS
When setting our goals, we always think of the end reward, however, it is essential that you also consider the costs or sacrifices you are willing to pay. Are you willing to endure the ugly growth period and not give up? There will always be moments where you want to give up, when it gets really hard to keep going. There is no doubt the storm will come, a hurricane even, but are you mentally prepared to weather the storm and pull through to the sunshine?
the PATH
Another important consideration is the path that you will take that will lead you to your goal. Remember those “choose your own adventure” books you read as a kid? Well life presents us with many of the same conundrums. You need to consider what steps are needed to get to your goal and what obstacles you will meet along the way. Plan for it. Being prepared for the moments that will be challenging will help you mentally, emotionally and physically be ready for them. For our affirmation goal, for example, consider that you will want to sleep in sometimes so set your alarm a little earlier to give yourself wake up time.
SET yourself UP FOR SUCCESS
To almost guarantee success, you will need to set yourself up for success. For example, if your goal is to eat less junk food, do not keep it in the house. For our wake up at 6AM affirmation goal, keeping your written affirmation and notebook beside your bed will make it easier for you to do it. You can also schedule an app to send you an affirmation at 6AM every morning. Keeping it simple will help make it easier to succeed.
CELEBRATE your SUCCESSES
When you attain your goal it will feel good. No doubt about that. When you overcome obstacles you will feel like the rock star that you are! When you achieve what you set out to do, make sure to celebrate it without sabotaging your progress. For example, if you woke up for 3 days in a row to do your affirmation meditation but did it for 10 minutes rather than 5, do not see it as permission to sleep in the next day.
Your Takeaway
- Set up goals that are specific (simple), measurable (meaningful), achievable (attainable), relevant (realistic) and time bound (timely).
- Consider the personal sacrifices necessary and if you are willing to endure them.
- Plan your path and prepare for obstacles.
- Set yourself up for success by preparing your environment.
- Celebrate your successes, even if they are small.
TRY THIS: Set up a S.M.A.R.T. goal for yourself, make sure it’s an easy one to start.
POST IT NOTE: I WILL achieve my goals!
Click for recorded segment exclusively on BlastTheRadio.com: GOALS [7:01 mins]
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One.Step.At.A.Time.
Suzie
Coach Suzie 