April showers bring may flowers

Prepare now for what you want later. Let’s create some actionable ideas that will flower in the next month or two.

Let’s start with some basics that get brushed past with most goal setting advice.

What is a goal?

A goal is the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result. It is the idea that you want to work toward creating or earning something new in your life. It can be a thought process, perspective, habit – thought or physical – or a tangible item.

How do you set a goal?

OK so now that we know what a goal is what are some parameters in creating one?

• Make it out of reach but not so far it feels unattainable.
• Be specific so you clearly know what you are aiming at.
• Identify clear steps or milestones along the way so you can appreciate you are making progress.
• Your effort is all that you control, your goal cannot depend on other’s actions.*

Now What?

So what can you do to get some momentum toward what you want in your future? Well there are big goals, like marathons, and smaller goals like an easy morning routine. Each hold value and each has unique steps in order to attain them.

I suggest starting small, choose something that would have a noticeable impact on your life but doesn’t seem overwhelming.

The more detailed the goal the easier it is to make it happen. Eating healthy and planning to eat veggies 4 times per week, are very different ideas. One is quiet vague, not trackable and easy to fudge (all puns intended;-). The other is a specific action a few times per week.

Common goal                           Refined goal

Too vague                                 more detailed

Get in shape                              I will lose 5 lbs

                                                I will run/walk a 5k

                                                I will go to the gym 3 days a week

I will start exercising                  I will walk 5/week

                                                I will do yoga 3/week

I will eat healthy                        I will have vegetables 4/week

                                                I will cut out soda pop

*If there are no exact steps or actions that guarantee an outcome then your goal is the process and completing the tasks, not the outcome.

Outcomes are the statistical representation of all the hard work you have put in. Focus on the process and give yourself credit for all the hard work you are doing.