click here to enlarge image
Throughout the years, I have set forth many goals to achieve. Some goals have required more planning than others, some happened easily, others took perseverance and dedication and they too came to fruition and became a reality but not without a plan that I put into action. GOALS. We all have them whether or not we have taken the time to outline them on paper, place them safely in mental storage or actually verbalize them. Different means of expressing goals hold us accountable in various ways.
Let me start by setting the scene. It’s Sunday afternoon, I am lying on the deck placed comfortably on my yoga mat with my computer. Bat, my 14-year-old Lab/Sheppard has comfortably set into position as my writing companion. He is an inspiring blog topic for another day!
Whether we consciously or subconsciously dream, sometimes we put things out into the universe without really focusing on it too much. I am reminded of this every day when I look at a picture included here in this post. In August 1987, I drew this picture, which at that time had less meaning than it does today. (On a side note, thanks to my beloved Grandparents who kept this drawing for 23 years and returned it back to me. My mom then framed it and I hung it proudly on the wall).
It’s a simple drawing of a house. As a young girl, I had a dream about my own house from the age of 6 or 7. I knew what I wanted back then but wasn’t focused on the how (just yet anyway). My sights were set on the dream, the end result… and I put that dream to paper.
So, how does one start the journey of achieving a goal? Well, for my clients and me personally, I use the acronym S.M.A.R.T. for goal setting (specific, measurable, action, realized, timed). Don’t forget to identify both short term and long term goals.
- Firstly you need to identify your goal. Be as SPECIFIC as you can, and consider every detail.
- Make it MEASURABLE. Define how you will know the goal has been achieved.
- Next ask yourself, how are you going to reach this goal? This process involves brainstorming and creating a plan to put this goal into ACTION!
- Is the goal REALISTIC? Can you achieve it?
- TIMED. Set a specified timeframe to complete the goal. Remember, goals are dreams with deadlines.
And, the VERY best part of setting goals is the visualization that creates the feelings you will experience when you achieve the goal. For me, this is the part where the excitement pushes me to the ACTION phase. Close your eyes and create the vision.
After embracing an afternoon in the sunshine, lying on the deck of the house that I had once dreamed of when I was just 11 years old, I realized that without goals I wouldn’t have necessarily accomplished all that I have in my life. Maybe it’s too methodical for some. Maybe you have your own way to set and achieve your goals. Only you will know by asking yourself this question: Have I achieved my goals? Be accountable. Turn your dreams into reality. Own them. Envision them. Live them. And most importantly, share them! I would love to hear what you are currently working on or have already achieved. Don’t forget to leave a link back to your own blog via the commentluv feature here on the site.
Dreams don’t become a reality until they become a goal first!
Good luck with your goals and aspirations……
Stephanie
Tags: dreaming and goal setting, goal setting, how to set goals, mobile personal trainer York Region, personal development, S.M.A.R.T goal setting, self development, Sensible Wellness, Stephanie Frisch, what is S.M.A.R.T. goals setting
For some, the “C” word brings about excitement and for some it brings about fear and uncertainty, even sheer craziness! The power of change involves losing touch with the familiar, not an easy feat to face.
