It’s a new year.
Everyone is all caught up in the seasonal state of creating resolutions, setting goals and trying to define what kind of year it will be. It’s a great thing. Billions of people across the world trying to better themselves.
Before we get too far into reaching those goals, I just want you to consider a few things and what it means for goals you chose. They may help you progress in better ways than in years past.
- Is it a goal you have previously aimed for? Perhaps there is a bigger picture to see if you are reaching for the same goal every year. Are you looking to get back in shape again? Finally finish that remodel project? Perhaps you are approaching it the wrong way. Rather than using the same methods as last year (ones that failed you) seek advice from a professional and take it seriously this time. Sometimes when you pay for help, it pays you back.
- Is everyone else doing a similar goal? Why are you doing it? Is it because everyone else at work is doing it? Just because everyone else is just looking to lose weight doesn’t mean that has to be your end goal. Make it personal. What do you enjoy doing? Like to bike? Try to reach a number of miles by the end of each month. Not only will you burn calories, but you will see new sights along the way. Two for one deal right there. Make sure you enjoy the struggle. Ironic? Yes. Most definitely.
- Are you sure you want to do it? Hey! It’s ok if you back down and change your goal for the new year. All good. Maybe you gave yourself too many goals… Uh oh! Slow down and make sure you can handle all that serious pursuit. Find the goals that you truly want to do and are excited about. Stick with those. Find some focus. Less is more in some cases.
- Do you plan to document your progress? This was a huge game changer for me. Having documented or written evidence of you accomplishments and failures keeps you on track. It also allows me to more thoroughly reflect on it all. It’s super easy to do. Buy a journal or even better yet, start a blog. The coolest part about a blog is that you can connect with like minded people that are willing to support your efforts. They may even share advice from real experiences they have had. You learn so much through what you write down. Trust me.
- Could the goal go beyond 2015? If health is a focus of one of your goals, why not build better habits that can last and improve your quality of life for years to come? You can reach even greater goals in 3 years than you can in one. Time limits are great, but once time is up are you done with it? Perhaps these goals need to turn into habits for a better you in the long run.
- Do you have a goal that you’ve never tried before? It’s time to get uncomfortable people. That’s where we grow the most. I am going to dare you to try to do something you have never done before. This year I am beginning to learn how to play the cello. I’m scared because right now I really suck at it. I’m afraid I might just give up. These are the kind of goals that show us we are capable of.
With all of these questions in mind, perhaps your list of goals for the year may change. That’s not a bad thing. You don’t always have to go by the timeline that society and the media puts in front of us. If you want to start on January 12th, so be it. More importantly, there is nothing wrong with starting something new at almost any point in your life.
Starting is half the battle. Just be sure these are goals you really want. Not just ones the calendar year left you with.
Series post:
Day One – Ten Days to a Better Blog.
get it done.