Three Essential Steps to Achieving Goals

After having those lovely two relaxing weeks off for the holidays, I’m still struggling with getting back into the swing of things. The early morning drive to swim practice is a bit harder on these dark winter mornings…but each day I seem to be in a little less of a comatose state. It doesn’t help that my hubby and I are totally into the series Homeland right now! When I get sucked into a show, I’m kind of like a kid asking for more candy. I keep asking to watch just one more episode.

Despite my binge watching of Netflix, I have been staying on task with setting my goals for 2016! The past two years I’ve shared my complete annual list of goals with you (2014 and 2015), but today I’m going to take a little different approach.

First, I want to give you three essential steps to achieving your goals. Then secondly, I’ll share a snippet of my goals for the year, with an honest assessment of why I chose to share these particular ones. And thirdly, I’m going to give away three goal challenge subscriptions!

So, what is the difference between people who set goals, versus people who set AND reach their goals? Those that achieve their goals usually do these three things:

They write them down.

They put the pen to paper and they also keep their goals visible. When you write something down you add another layer of commitment. Writing goals down shows intention and purpose.

They build in community and accountability.

They look for added layers of support from friends, family, co-workers, classes or groups. The more people in your business means you’ll be more likely to stay on track with your goal business!

They set goals that are achievable. They set realistic goals that are reachable. Goals that they can personally reach in the time frame they have set.

Interesting isn’t it…three essentials that can essentially make the difference between whether or not you meet your personal goals.

Over a year or so ago, I was sitting at a Starbucks and a sweet woman came up to me and said that she recognized me from my blog. I was so surprised! I mean I live as an expat and I don’t really interact with many people, other than those in my expat circle. But this sweet lady was so kind to me. She commented that from what she reads that it seems that I do SO much! I was quick to say, well sort of…I mean I’m a high energy person…I blabbed some more, but then walked away wondering if I present an accurate picture of my life?

What I took away from our conversation, is that those of you that read and see what I share here are only seeing a small picture of my life. I don’t try to paint a perfect picture, but let’s be honest, what I share is sort of what it would look like if you were coming over to my house for dinner. I tidy, I clean, and I give you the best that I can. What I want you to know is this, I’m well aware of my strengths and even more aware of my weaknesses. So today, as I share a few of my goals for this year, I’m going to be completely authentic and share my weaknesses that I really need to work on this year. (I’m still going to be a high energy person, but I have some definite areas that need some refinement, areas that aren’t as easy to share about.) I’m choosing to reveal the goals that are the most meaningful to me this year and selecting one from each area of wellness.

Ok, deep breath, here we go…

My 2016 Goals

Emotional: reactions, feelings, cognition

Using the “feeling wheel” I’m going to work on continuing to be more direct with my feelings and emotions. As a relatively easy-going and peace maker type of person, this is an area that I need to continue to sharpen and refine. When I’m overly accommodating I’m not being authentic or true to myself.

Social: relationships, community, healthy independence

I am going to work to be more attentive to my children when they talk to me. Two of my kids called me out on not giving them focused attention when they come to me to chat. (Usually I’m guilty of looking at a screen of some sort…ouch.)

Intellectual: creativity, critical thinking, learning

Last year I put off staining our bed. I thought it would be better to wait until we moved back to the States. We were hoping to move back “home” to Oregon. But we received the news that we’re going to be moving to Colorado this summer. It was a hard blow to hear that news. So, I’m going to stain the bed, because I have no idea what the next home will be like and I’m tired of waiting.

Spiritual: faith, beliefs, values

My time in the mornings needs to be more focused. I always feel better when I spend my first moments of my day seeking the Lord. I want to make sure that this priority, remains a priority.

Physical: body, nutrition, healthy habits

I’ve been struggling with migraines for over the last six years. And even though I exercise, watch my sleep, and try to monitor my stress levels, they have been debilitating. The last one was my worst ever (12/1), I slept for 20 hours straight. (Ain’t nobody got time for that!) So my new mission is to not drink coffee at all, to get more sleep, and to do a better job with my self-care. (My high energy levels can actually be a bad thing.) I’ve also switched up my medication options and I am hoping that since it’s been almost six without one, that maybe I’ve found my cure.

Occupational: skills, employment, finances

This one is a combination of things and is not as clearly defined yet, but I’ll keep you posted. How’s that for a carrot!

Last but not least….I chose a “word” for the year. I’ve heard of doing this, but I’ve never actually done it. This word (to me) means – strong, focused, purposeful, passionate, and driven. Here’s to a fierce 2016!

And now…you can enter below to win a free subscription to the 2016 MWM Goal Challenge. The packet of printables will help you to be more effective with your goal setting and you’ll be joining with a fun group of goal setters! Not to mention, the three essentials will be included. Joining the GC can take your goals from ideas to realities!