8 Steps to Reach Your Goals (this Time!)
Updated: Sep 14, 2020
So, you have a goal… GO YOU! Whether your goal is to lose weight, make an extra $500/month, spend $500 less/month, or you want to read more, or watch less TV… there are a few things you can do right from the start, to set yourself up for success (this time)!
First thing’s first. Have you heard of SMART Goals? We’re going to knock out steps 1-5 right here, thanks to the American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) and this example:
1. Make it Specific.
The more specific your goals are, the more likely you are to achieve them.
2. Make it Measurable.
What’s gets measured, gets accomplished.
3. Make it Achievable.
It’s important that your goal is actually achievable, or you may set yourself up for not only disappointment, but you may further “prove” to yourself that your goal isn’t possible.
4. Make it Relevant. Relevancy is important to put things into perspective.
5. Make it Timely.
Having a time-frame, a schedule, or a due date is crucial in achieving your goal(s).
Since 2015, I’ve helped 100s of people reach health & wealth goals! In my experience, these last 3 steps have proved to seal the deal for my clients and their goals:
6. Write it Down/Track it
When we write things down every day, and then read them out loud, we use several different senses. The use of these different senses creates a sort of personal relationship with our goals, making them a living, breathing part of us. This consistent process in & of itself, supports us in reaching our goals. And then, track your progress! You can use an app (l love the IsaLife App) or write it down in a journal. What gets tracked, gets done!
7. Social Support
Accountability is everything! The more people with whom you share your goal, the more likely you are to achieve it. You can tell a few trusted friends or even share on social media! Then share progress (or regression) daily, weekly, or monthly (depending on the nature of your goal).
8. WHY
Connecting with WHY you want to achieve a goal is of utmost importance! It can mean the difference in achieving your goal or not. The more emotional of a connection you have to your goal, the better. When your WHY includes others (your partner, your kids, etc.), you’re more likely to look past wall-kicking moments. And there will likely be wall-kicking moments along your journey; your WHY will be there to ground you.
Example: "I need to reduce my debt to pay off my credit card." (WHY?) "So I can free myself of that constant, heavy stress." "So I can afford to take my family on vacation." Example: "I want to lose 20 pounds." (WHY?) "So I can more easily play with my kids/grandkids." "So I feel more confident." "So I can show improved health markers at my next doctor’s appointment."
Conclusion
8 steps to reach your goals (this time!): First, make sure your goal is SMART: 1) Specific; 2) Measurable; 3) Achievable; 4) Relevant; and 5) Timely. Then, 6) write it down & track it every day; 7) make sure you have social support or at least an accountability partner; and finally, 8) know & connect with your emotion-filled WHY on a regular basis.
If you have a health or wealth goal, I’d love to connect & support you! My clients have expressed so much gratitude and experienced great success in having me as their coach & support system! Schedule your FREE Wellness Consult here: calendly.com/monicabstaley or shoot me an email me to learn more: wellnessbymonicabstaley@gmail.com