The first quarter of 2024 is over and with such an exuberant and positive note on how the year will turn out some of us wrote down goals (or did not). For those who did, how is the progress so far? Are you still more excited with the goal more than you wrote it down or you are still wondering if you want to proceed with it?
Everytime we set goals we are making a statement about what we value and where we choose to put our focus and resources. While goal setting at the beginning of the year has received some negative connotations especially when taking stock at the end of the year about what has been achieved, goal setting remains an very integral part of seeing our dreams and aspirations come to life. Everything that presents a new beginning for us such as a birthday celebration, promotions, relocation, making a life transition such as marriage is an opportunity to be honest with ourselves in aspiring to be better versions of us.
We can look back and ask what worked and what did not work. It could be you are reading this and deep inside, you lost the passion to set goals because thinking about it reminds you of how many times you have failed or painful memories that linger on. You can dream again!
I would like to encourage you to soldier on and consider these ideas, whether you are beginning to form goals or in the journey to achieving them:
Understand the principles of goal formation. The common way to begin is the SMART acronym of setting goals.
Create time to add knowledge on what it would take for you to get your goal accomplished. Sometimes we set goals without having a mental picture of the kind of investment and resources it might require.
Have moments to help you keep your eyes on the goal. Get motivated. Reading helps me stay motivated because the material I read affirms what I want to achieve. Sometimes, it's just taking rest for self care. Whatever it is, find what keeps your eyes on target.
Create a visual image of your goal. What image best represents your goal. A common way is to create a visual representation of your goal on paper. Our brain are wired to respond to visual images that best speak of what goes beyond what words can describe.
Ask yourself: What will I observe when these goal(s) are accomplished? The answer to this question will point to your "why" and will keep you motivated to hang on when the going gets tough.
Who will benefit when this goal is achieved? Our actions and behavior influence others. Create your goals with "others" in mind.
How does this goal fit into my life's purpose or bigger picture? The best goals are those set inching you closer to your life's purpose. This gives clarity and setting boundaries as you go about life's daily tasks.
Who else can help me achieve this goal? Harness the strengths of others to bring out the best in yourself.
I hope this encourages you to manage the anxiety and become more confident in wanting to achieve your goals. If you are struggling with answering the last three questions, go back and rewire your goal and find one that matches. Then, focus.
If goal setting is a struggle for you, contact us today and walk with a therapist to set goals that will bring out the strengths and uniqueness in you for you to become better.
Let's journey together to a fulfilling 2024 and celebrate the outcome of putting in the work!
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