Now that 2021 is here, you have a choice. Do you continue to live with uncertainty? Or do you assess, make plans and prepare for the future?
Stop. Breathe. Think.
Identify what’s important to you and align that to your goals. Set small goals that take you in the direction of the things that are important to you. The first and most critical step is to identify what you want. Make an appointment with yourself. Think of it the same way as making an appointment with your bank manager, or doctor. Set a specific date and time and block it off. Keep your phone off and there should be no interruptions. It doesn’t have to be for very long. Use this time to ask yourself some questions:
What is important to me?
What am I doing that isn’t important to me?
Where do I see myself in 5 and 10 years?
Do I follow through on my goals? If not, then why not?
Where do I get stuck and why?
How is 2021 going to be different for me?
What are all the things I would like to achieve this year?
Questions like these will help you to break unhelpful old habits and to create new ones which are:
1. Be clear
Think about what your goals and ambitions are. Ask yourself what you HAVE to do and what you could STOP doing? This could be daily chores, bad habits, a non-productive routine, or unnecessary obligations. What do you want and why? What are your passions, values and principles? How can you align all of these into your goal(s)?
2. Visualise
Really feel every experience with your mind’s eye. Be as detailed as possible. Imagine what you might be doing, wearing, saying. Visualizing an action creates an inner motivation to strive for your goals and dreams. It makes it real for you as you see
yourself in the role you want to be.
3. Write it down
This could be the most important thing you can do! Write or record yourself saying your goals out loud - with certainty. Research shows that you are 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down. Writing your goals down forces you to get clear on what exactly it is that you want to accomplish. It motivates you to complete the tasks necessary for your success.
So now what?
If you make it this far, you have already hugely increased your chances of success. Now, how do you stay on track and avoid falling into the trap of losing momentum or enthusiasm? Remember and visualize your goals every day. Say them out loud. You will quickly notice a difference.
Make time
Are you committed to achieving your goal? Are you willing to put time, effort and energy into realizing it? Are you going to schedule in time for yourself to push your agenda through? If the answer is yes then we’re making great progress! Now that you’re excited and you can feel the fire within, the adrenaline is pumping and you want to scream your desires from the rooftop - do that!
Shout it from the rooftops!
Tell as many friends and family members as possible, work colleagues (if appropriate), people from your community, even strangers! The more people you tell the more doors you open up for yourself. You will get more support, more encouragement and more respect for your time and space. Let others contribute to your success.
Celebrate the small wins
Break up big goals into smaller bite size chunks so it’s easier to tackle. Acknowledge the progress you are making at each and every stage, set new challenges and celebrate your achievements!
Step out of your comfort zone
Become comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. Be open to meeting new people, try new things, be courageous and challenge yourself. What’s the worst that can happen? If you really want this year to be different, then you need to be different. Don’t fear the unknown but rather embrace it. It’s okay to make mistakes just make sure you learn from them. Remember it is not just the destination that’s important but the journey too. Making changes and accomplishing more doesn’t have to be difficult but it does require focus and commitment. Being clear about what you want, writing it down, visualizing it, reminding yourself of it everyday, breaking down tasks into small steps and celebrating the journey are key.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a pen and write down those goals!
