We are a month into the new year already - better believe it - the time is escaping us before we realize the minute has passed! Tis the season of NYR's (New Years Resolutions) and goals that abound our scope of comprehension and sometimes our ability for completion; I believe that anything (within reason) is possible (sorry, pigs just don't fly). Do not limit your aspirations based on a preconceived notion on what you feel you're capable of achieving; instead, reach, grow, and be! If you are having trouble getting there, ask for help; the wisest is not the one who knows all, but the one who isn't afraid to ask... Whether it be an elder, educator, mentor, friend, family member, personal trainer, co-worker, manager, or even child, let your mind be open, yourself willing to learn, and apt to grow.
Now - how may I serve you? In anyway that I can. If your goal is better health, improved physical fitness, or a more nutritious diet - I can certainly aid you in getting there. If life is blue and you just need a friend, I can be that too :) My two cents are this: Cold turkey, Hot Mess. As they say, Rome wasn't built in a day; if you expect or try to achieve your goals, or change your life, all at once, the chances of a lasting lifestyle change are far the more slim than going about it with patience, perseverance, and a good plan of action.
First, though, you must determine where you are, and be honest with yourself. Take the time to evaluate yourself and your life as it is, do not be self-depricating or overly critical. Simply establish where and who you are now. Where from would we move forward without inception?
Second, determine where it is you want to go, what it is you want to do, and who you want to be. As I mentioned earlier, limits are for people who have them, so dare to be great.
Third, set a plan. You must train yourself to become who and what you desire, it will not just happen, you must put in the work. Here is the old template for creating S.M.A.R.T. Goals, lest we not forget:
Specific: To set a specific goal, you must answer 6 questions...
Who: Who is involved?
What: What do I want to accomplish?
Where: Identify a location.
When: Establish a time frame. [Today, this month, next three months, next 6 months, this year].
Which: Identify requirements and constraints.
Why: Specific reasons, purpose or benefits of accomplishing the goal (this one's important - it will remind you of why you are working so hard when motivation is lacking).
Measurable: Establish some sort of criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal you set. When you measure progress, you stay on track, reach your target dates, and experience the exhilaration of achievement that propels you onward and upward.
Attainable: When you identify goals that are most important to you, you begin to figure out ways you can make them happen. You begin to see opportunities that previously would have been overlooked that will bring yourself closer to achievement. When you list your goals you build your self-image and see yourself as worthy of these goals; thus, developing the traits and personality that allow you to possess them! Win-win!
Realistic: A goal must represent an objective toward which you are both willing and able to work. It is possible for a goal to be both high and realistic; you are the only one who can decide just how high your goal should be, do not let the critique of third parties affect your success. At the end of the day, it's yours, not theirs.
Timely: With no time frame, there is no sense of urgency; a goal should be grounded within a time frame. If you want to lose 10 lbs, when you want to lose it by? "Someday" doesn't cut it. If you anchor it within a timeframe, "by May 21st," then you've set our unconscious mind in motion to begin working on the goal. Keep this visible in your life, perhaps by marking your calendar, or posting a note on your fridge, that way you have a daily reminder of what you are working toward, and when you will get there.
Now that you are each equipped with the tools you need to create a plan of action, go! and start achieving! Also, remember, I am here to help in anyway that I can. Perhaps I will be one of the "who" that is involved in getting your there.
Until next time.... sending you all my love.... M.
Step One: Cut it out!! (next blog)
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