It all comes down to consistent daily actions - every small step completes the puzzle pieces of your individual goals. In order to successfully accomplish your goals focus on the long term goal.
What do you really want out of life?
Most importantly be honest with yourself. Are you ready to take action in order to achieve your goals? Don't let it be just another New Year's resolution that never sees the light of day.
S.M.A.R.T
Specific – Be clear about what you want to happen
Measurable – Ability to track your goal
Attainable – What specific actions must you take to achieve this goal
Relevant – Are these goals achievable
Time – Set a time frame for your goal
Goal Planning
While we all want to achieve our goals ASAP, patience and consistency is the key to obtain long- term sustainable results. Over the last few year I have been writing down my goals and to begin with, I never seemed to be able to achieve them in the time frame given or at all. Maybe I had missed the mark completely and that was not my destiny or my goals were so out of whack and not in alignment of where I truly should be.
For example, I would love our American barn to have been completed months ago. However, we have had above average rainfall this year preventing any trucks entering the paddock as the ground is so wet the trucks and scissor lift would just get bogged - so maybe by Christmas.
Break down your goals into 30 days, 60 days, 90 days etc. Within the time frames, it is further broken down into sections such as Health & Fitness, Career Goals, Leisure Activities etc. It's about breaking down the overall goal into smaller goals.
For example under the heading "Health & Fitness" - attend Pilates classes. That's great but it does not show commitment. Try the following:
"Health & Fitness" Pilates will improve my overall health and fitness and lose weight. Attend class every Tuesday and Thursday 16.30 pm - 17.30 pm for the next ten weeks at your nearest Pilates center or gym. Book and pay for the classes in advance so there is an ongoing allocated spot for you in the class.
Daily actions
Focus on your actions that enable you to move forward, try to complete this on a daily basis. This will help you get closer to achieving the larger goal. Small steps taken consistently over the long term will produce sustainable results.
For example, you may want to lose weight. Instead of saying I need to lose 10kg, the goal should be to maintain a healthy lifestyle and incorporate exercise 2 -3 times a week. Then losing the weight will become easier as the focus is on improved quality of life.
Regularly Review and Visualise your Goals goal-visual
Place your goals on the fridge or the bedside table and spend a few minutes each day visualising your ideal life wishing it were today. This will help keep you on track and motivated to continue on your goal path.