How To Set A Goal

Goals are often thought of while experiencing intense emotion. Being inspired by the accomplishments of others, feeling inadequate with your own performance or experiencing an insatiable hunger for better outcomes in life. Allowing feelings and emotions to ignite the spark is a powerful jump-start in the right direction, but it won’t sustain you. Moods are influenced and circumstances are constantly changing in all different directions. The reasons you set your goal shouldn’t change as a result.

**It’s time you dug deeper than**

the superficial reasoning for wanting change.

Start By Asking The Right Questions

Ask yourself the true meaning behind the goals you are setting.

Why do you want to exercise?
Why do you want to eat healthier?
Why do you want to make more money?
Why do you want to improve your mindset?
Why do you want to study that particular subject?

Everyone’s answers will differ, but one commonality in their responses is a feeling. Your current situation is making you feel unease, unhappiness, anxiety or frustration. When you achieve that goal you’ll be fulfilled, grateful, healthy, positive and confident. When you begin to doubt yourself from achieving what you set out to, bring your attention to the positive feelings it will bring. This is a simple way to get started with your goal setting. It’s also a great reference for when you get derailed from the goals you’ve already set.

Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals

When setting goals it’s easy to take a dreamer’s approach, thinking big without a logical plan to keep you focused. Each goal needs an end result, the progress made needs to be monitored, measured, and held to a high standard. Setting goals without a deadline could lead you down a path of procrastination, lethargy, and ultimately starting over, or worse giving up altogether. Using the S.M.A.R.T. goals guide will help you plan, achieve, and celebrate your success.

Specific

Get as clear as possible with the goals you want to accomplish, start by thinking of the end result. What does it look like? What does it feel like? Consider what your limitations may be, as well as the strengths you bring to the table. Be honest with yourself because false-truths will only hold you back. These are not meant to box you into a smaller goal, but rather prepare you for what lies ahead.

Measurable

After you gain some clarity on your goal it’s time to break it down into measurable increments of growth. Whether your ultimate goal involves fitness or personal development, small actions will get you closer to the main goal. When designing your plan it may appear as goals within goals, that’s a great start (i.e. before focusing your attention on losing weight first pay attention to your portion sizes.)

Attainable

Be realistic in the means of effort, money, time and energy you can/will invest into achieving your goal. The possibilities for growth are endless, and more often than not right at your fingertips. However, the question isn’t about the path but the person taking it. Ask yourself: Am I physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and/or financially prepared for the road ahead? You may uncover you’ve gotten a bit ahead of yourself. This simply means it’s time to reassess and make another plan. Don’t diminish the goal when it’s the plan that needs adjusting.

Relevant

Emotions can get the best of your thoughts, leading you to believe you want something that may not serve your higher self. Ask yourself deep questions about the lifestyle changes you wish to take on. WHY? Are you striving for short term pleasures or overall better quality of life? Think of your future self as you create actions and behaviors to follow. If you find that your goals are a bit superficial go back to the drawing board. Consider this a step closer to defining exactly what you want.

Timely

Set a deadline and work toward it diligently. Create a system of checking in with yourself, don’t just wait for the deadline to approach. For instance, check-in weekly with yourself if the goal is 3 months away. Be honest about the progress you are making and where you could use some improvement. Make these meetings a priority and take yourself and your goal seriously. Remember, the plan to achieve your goal is never set in stone, it’s constantly evolving to fit the person you are growing into. A deadline will help you get the momentum going.

Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.

The Marine Corps uses the phrase “improvise, adapt and overcome” for problem-solving and quick thinking. It applies the same to goal setting because life is unpredictable. The environmental circumstances may negatively impact the original plan AND the goal remains the same. Too often goal setting revolves around only the positive end result without considering the obstacles that may arise. Instead of neglecting the possibility of being derailed prepare a plan for that exact scenario. Preparing physically, mentally and emotionally, bracing yourself to face adversity and succeed anyway.

This post is about the WHY and HOW behind the goals you set for yourselves. They are driven by emotion and sustained by disciplined habits you acquire. But in between these two crucial concepts lies the plan for reaching your desires no matter how grand they are. A plan must be solid and flexible. Make your focus clear so that your actions are diligent. Prepare your mindset for whatever lies ahead and start letting go of what is no longer benefiting you.

Allow your emotions to be the compass guiding you toward your achievements, not away from them. If you feel inspired by something it’s not just by chance. When you are moved into action it’s most likely because that’s what you TRULY want to do in life. Don’t allow the unknown or self-doubt misguide you to thinking you can’t. You simply haven’t gathered all of the knowledge needed. Be patient, trust that you will improvise when thrown a curveball, adapt to the last minute changes, and overcome any obstacles.

The goal is shiny, attractive and will feel incredible when you get there. The journey, however, is where you learn the most about who you are. The path into unknown territory is dimly lit, the mindset you choose is what will light the way. Choose the way you approach your goals consciously.

A thought that is fed emotion gains a super strength. From there it has the ability to create possibilities or limitations, depending on the quality of the feeling. Experiencing doubt is a mental virus that spreads through all aspects of your life. A thought as simple as “I don’t think I can do this” starts to attract other defeating thoughts until you begin believing them.

Changing a particular way of thinking is not going to happen quickly, and that’s a good thing. While you practice positive thoughts layers of your own mind will be uncovered, as you get to know the REAL you.

The authentic self that is innately good, healthy, happy and free of worry. It took years of past experiences to accumulate your self doubt so be patient as you begin to shift toward a mindset of belief.

It’s time to start ripping out the negative weed

and replace it with an affirming seed.

What to Do in Moments of Doubt

All goals must have a plan, discipline is a fundamental principle of that plan. Lasting behavior change takes constant action toward becoming the healthier version of you. If you want to be, do, and think better than you are today it takes practice.

Practice thinking with confidence, practice making the optimal choice, practice being aware of your thoughts and actions. If you are struggling to gain control over thoughts start by shifting your mind’s attention.

Here is a list of questions, affirmations, and tips that will help you slowly begin thinking healthier thoughts about yourself. Ask yourself these questions when the mental chatter becomes overbearing, and continue asking until you reach something positive.

There are no right or wrong answers.

**Only responses that either propel you toward your goal or hold you back from it.**

Questions: Check in with the mind

Inner dialogue: Am I listening to my inner critic or an inner companion? Which voice is bringing me closer to the mindset I wish to acquire?

Affirming the life you want for yourself: Am I focusing on what I want or what I’m afraid of? If the focus is on all that can go wrong, what are three things that can go right?

Practice healthy disciplines: What can I do to start and end my day on a positive note? How can I stay on track daily even when life gets busy?

Tips: Check in with your body

Importance of posture

Slouching is a good indicator that your thoughts are running wild. Take a deep breath, straighten out your back, exhale, relax your jaw, and drop your shoulders.

Fueling your body vs filling it up

Plan your meals so you aren’t stuck eating something that will leave you tired, sluggish, and further from feeling better about yourself. Fruits, veggies, and nuts are quick snacks to help give you more energy. And of course, stay hydrated, drink plenty of water throughout the day especially when working out.

Intentional movement

Working out is good for your mind, body, and soul. If you don’t have the time for a workout you can always go for a walk outside, stretch out your body, or dance around to your favorite playlist. Reward your muscles for keeping up with your demands.

Past present future self

Remember where you came from, but don’t live in those memories. Let go of your mistakes and learn from them for your future self. Consider how you want your future to unfold and the actions you’re taking to get there.

Be present with the people around you and the places you visit. Rather than focusing on how long is left on the journey to your goals, express gratitude for where you are and how far you’ve come. Appreciate the moments that fly right by.

**Practices: Implementing simple and fun healthy habits**

It’s important to prioritize your time wisely, especially for having fun. This way you don’t feel guilty for indulging and you still get things accomplished. You deserve a healthy life balance and you also have to be the one to create it.

Do something FUN

When was the last time you did something INTENTIONALLY because it made you happy?

Moving your body and taking care of your mind can feel fun, but there’s a deeper meaning of health behind it. It’s easy to sit behind television and allow a program to make you happy, so challenge yourself to find happiness within an activity. Try something like coloring, journaling, listening to music, or anything else that makes you engage. Prioritize time for something that will help elevate your mood. If you can’t think of anything think about what you loved to do as a kid and go from there.

Stillness between activities(meditation)

Transitioning your mindset from busy to relaxed or sleeping to active is essential to achieve optimal results.

Take the time to pay attention to your mental chatter and the emotional direction it is pulling you in. When you have a handle on your mood there is a better sense of control over whatever situation arises. Be prepared mentally, physically, and emotionally for what you are transitioning to throughout the day.

Visualization

Set aside 10-20 minutes to set intentions for the day

Each day you are given a fresh set of opportunities to be happier, healthier and more successful than yesterday. To create that life you must visualize what it looks like and the ways it can unfold. Think about how you want to feel and how you wish to impact others. Planning your day each morning makes it easier to adapt to various obstacles. Consider the choices you can easily make today that will push you closer to your best self until you’re there!

These questions, tips, and practices are a great starting point to begin shifting your mindset toward confidence. Overcoming self-doubt won’t happen quickly, but in time and with consistent practice you will begin to see massive changes. Be relentless in your pursuit of confidence and peace of mind. Keep pushing your mind into a positive space until it turns into a habit. Watch how easily your life begins to flow.

Moving Through Life With Confidence

Planting seeds of faith takes time and consistent practice, so does becoming aware of where self-doubt lives. So check in with your body: what does it need right now? Keep asking yourself the questions that bring you closer to living with confidence and clarity. Visualize the lifestyle, feelings, and circumstances you want to walk through in life. Allow yourself to be still so that you spirit can catch up to how busy your mind moves.

LOVE.HEAL.GROW.

Tag: Change

Setting Goals Without Overwhelm