by Kerry Taylor
So our 1st quarter has just come to a close and I want to take this moment to ask you, “Have you arrived?” Meaning, have you arrived at what you were aiming for at the beginning of the year, some call them goals, some resolutions, some intentions? Whatever you call them, what is your status? If you have, bravo and two thumbs up! If you’re still going, keep going and don’t think of stopping! If you gave up, shake it off and let’s go baby! You can get there!
I know we always look at the beginning of the year as the perfect time to set lofty goals and that’s normal and understandable because every year feels like it can be a brand new slate for you. It’s the same reason people always wait until the beginning of the month or for a Monday to change things. But, I will tell you, anytime is a great time to make goals and aim to make changes. I mean, why wouldn’t you take the opportunity to grow in all aspects of life- physically, spiritually, intellectually, socially and emotionally? We can always get better so let’s get back on the horse today!
I know making these goals and statements is easy to do, but putting them into action and seeing them all the way through is a different story altogether. Because shit just happens and gets in the way! Think of how many of us alone, aim to lose weight and say it every year! How many times have you aimed to lose weight to some degree and haven’t gotten there yet? Or, just aimed to do something and it just hasn’t happened yet? If this is you, let’s analyze why you may have failed. Did you really want it or was just something to shoot for? Here’s what I would like you to do, if it’s important to you and you want to give it another shot.
1. Revisit the goals and see if you made it a S.M.A.R.T goal with details for yourself?
Let’s look back at the goal and see if you detailed properly for yourself. Did you make it S.M.A.R.T.? Here is a quick review of what this means.
S: Specific
Who? What? When? Where? Why?
M: Measurable
How will you measure your progress or that you’ve achieved your goal?
A: Achievable
How achievable is this for you to do? Will you be discouraged by going for it or will it motivate you because you know that you can get there if you truly put in the effort and dedicate yourself to it?
R: Relevant
Simply put, does it align with who you are? If I hate running, I would be hard pressed to shoot to finish a marathon.
T: Time Bound
How long are you giving yourself to get there? Make sure this is also realistic and motivating so you don’t fall off track
2. Did you create a daily habits list?
Have you set a road map for yourself to get to where you want to go? For example, if losing weight is a goal. I know some of my daily habits would include exercising to some degree, meal planning and prepping, tracking what I’m eating etc…
3. Did you keep some type of journal?
Doing something like this will help you look back when you stumble or keep you focused on what you are doing. With social media now a days you can really have some fun with this and possibly motivate others to keep going.
4. Is it important to you?
This should be question numero uno. Is it important enough to you? If it is, proceed, if it isn’t then let’s find something else!
5. How many things are you trying to change at once?
Are you making wholesale changes everywhere in your life? Trying to do too much means nothing will happen. Let’s focus on one thing in one area at a time. Depending on your bandwidth, you may be able to up that number, but be careful of aiming for too much at once.
I hope reading this may have sparked at least one person to look back at something they wanted and decided to revisit it because, at one point, it may have been something you really wanted but just threw your hands up and gave up because you may not have asked yourself the right questions. Let’s make a plan and go for it! Remember, it’s never too late to make a change. Yes, it may be challenging and difficult, but what in life that’s worth while isn’t? Go for it! Let me know how it goes, and if you need assistance, reach out. Until next time, continue to live life 1 degree above the rest!