Exploring Your Goals
What is a Goal?
To most, this might seem like a simple straightforward question. In reality most of us are thinking about goals all wrong! Many of us have experienced the frustration of having aspirations but not knowing how to reach them. We've all been there, and the good news is that there's a way out of this cycle.
A key piece in goal setting that is often misunderstood, is that wishes, dreams, or hopes are not actually goals. Those things can be helpful in identifying what is important to you or what direction you would like to go in, but cannot be considered an actual goal. It's all about understanding that dreams become goals when we break them down into actionable steps. You see, those big wishes, like landing a new job or achieving a healthier lifestyle, can be overwhelming until we transform them into manageable tasks. It's this blueprint or plan that gives us direction, and helps us celebrate the small wins along the way.
That sounds straightforward enough, right? Then why do so many of us abandon goals that we know will make us happier, healthier, or closer to who we believe we are?
We have all had the experience of wishing for something, such as a new job or becoming more fit, and have struggled with how to get to the “end” point. We can see ourselves sitting behind the desk or lifting the heavier weights at the gym, but struggle to turn that wish into reality. That is where that blueprint or plan come in so you can turn your experiences from “I guess this isn’t for me” or “Maybe next year/month/week I will start this or achieve this” to “I did it! What is next!”
The beauty of goals lies in the sense of purpose and focus they bring to our lives. They are the drivers of our well-being, motivating us to strive for a better quality of life. So, here's a little advice to help you turn your dreams into achievable goals:
1- Choose one or two things to start with. It is important to not try and change everything in your life at once. That is one of the easiest ways to get discouraged and fail.
For example if one of your hopes is to become healthier. A good goal to start with might be to drink the recommended amount of water for that is right for your body. That is a small, achievable goal that can bring a quick win.
2- Identify what the steps you will need to reach your goal before you start. Make sure to keep in mind some steps might change as you learn and grow!
Here is a sample to do list to reach the goal of drinking more water:
Research how much water you should drink based on your weight and sex
If desired, call and speak with your primary care about how much water you should have
Purchase a new special glass or container to keep you accountable
Track the number of glasses on a note in your phone
Check in each night with how you feel, any difference you feel, and how this connects to your overall hope to be healthier.
3- Give yourself benchmarks for success or think of things that help motivate you.
After 30 days of drinking water, you take yourself out for a nice meal
After two weeks you get yourself a new tumbler instead of using a glass you already have
You invest in some new skin care items after 3 months of keeping up with your goal
4-Ask for help when needed! Even with perfect planning and motivation, reaching goals can be hard and asking for help or support is often part of the journey.
If you are having a hard time completing the task, ask others for suggestions!
If out to a meal, ask a friend to have a water with you first, before ordering a beer or fun mocktail!
By following these tips and converting your dreams into action plans, you can move closer to the life you desire. Keep in mind that success is not just about reaching the destination; it's about the journey and the growth you experience along the way. So, go ahead, set your goals, make a plan, and chase those dreams. Your path to a better, more fulfilling life begins with the very first step.
