In life, we save everything for later whether it be to lose weight, go back to school or going for a job opportunity. Why not now? What’s holding you back? That answer is usually fear of FAILING. Let go of the fear and start planning!
Setting goals inspires mental clarity and determination. There’s no greater feeling than overcoming a challenge! Creating a checklist goal layout is something that can help you see your own progress and also keep you on target. Make your goal the finish line and add key task that need to be completed to cross the finish line. For example, maybe it’s time for you to move on to a better job whether it be for more money or pursuing something you’re passionate it. One of your steps should be preparing your job search by working with a Career Coach/Resume Writer – working with professional companies like WriteOne Resumes would help you tremendously.
Make your first goal something simple; focus on the main subjects in your life. There’s nothing more important than taking care of yourself first! That is true whether you have kids, wife/husband or elderly parents. You can’t take care of anyone else if you’re not mentally & physically healthy. Before taking on a big goal, you should start small and make it about improving your well-being. Goals such as losing weight are great because you can see the results, eventually you will accomplish a small goal that will prepare you for taking on an even bigger goal.
Don’t lose sight of reality! Your goals should be realistic, something too farfetched could cause you to lose focus once you don’t see immediate results. Don’t look at it as being impossible, just look at it as being your future goal once you complete several other goals that help you get closer to the top. Picture this, a Receptionist has a career goal set to become the HR Manager – this might be hard to see at this point but you can see it working out if he went from Receptionist – HR Generalist – Sr. HR Generalist – HR Manager. Slow progressing is still progress but if you can skip a step, go for it! Mapping out your goals is just a way to keep track of your achievements but you can always skip a step if you found another way to get closer to your goal.
Make it real and be clear! I’m a pen & paper type of gal but in today’s world, everything is digital. Whatever works for you, write it down somewhere you can see it every day. The whole point is to be concise and dedicated to reaching it. Don’t stress yourself too much if you don’t manage to check off an accomplishment right away. The fact that you even created that checklist is a goal in itself, just try again the next day.
Positive thinking goes a long way! I suggest daily affirmations to maintain a healthy heart & mind. Affirmations are all over Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. You could repeat one throughout the day, as soon as you wake up or before going to bed. I like to start my day with positive thinking; my affirmations are usually, “Don’t worry about the things you can’t control” or “I am in charge with how I feel”. This will help you deal with not meeting a goal or losing sight. It happens to the best of us.
Deadlines make things real. Deadlines are like the tape at the finish line; you want to burst right through it knowing you did it! Having a time restraint keeps you motivated. It puts more pressure on you to achieve that goal and that kind of pressure can be good. Don’t give yourself too much time or else you won’t feel the pressure to start right away. Goals such as losing weight should be stretched out for 6 months or a year. Setting unrealistic goals like losing 20 lbs. in 3-days would
Once you cross the finish line or even if you’re ½ way there; celebrate! You deserve it! Not only did you create a plan but you made yourself a better person. Celebrating your achievements will inspire you to either keep going or crush a new goal. Just remember, goals can be developed and achieved at any time of your life so don’t limit yourself.