Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals
When you set effective goals, you will achieve more. Goals provide focus, enhance productivity, bolster self-esteem, and increase commitment. When setting a goal, clearly outline the series of steps for achieving it to stay on track and reduce overwhelm.
Make your goals S.M.A.R.T.- Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. With practice, you will find that you are able to achieve more than you thought you could.
Consider the following as you set your goals:
Is this goal Specific?
Be as detailed as possible. The more information you supply, the more accurate the results will be.
Include the following:
Who is involved?
What do you want to accomplish?
When?
Where?
Why?
Which requirements and constraints exist?
For example," I want to exercise more" is not specific enough and feels unmanageable. However, "I want to go to the gym at least 3 times a week starting December 1st" is more specific and defined, which allows you to take actionable steps towards reaching the target goal.
Is this goal Measurable?
Establish criteria to measure progress. How will you know when the goal is achieved? Create a checklist of tasks to get done and check off each item as it is accomplished.
Is this goal Attainable?
When you clearly identify you goal, you develop the attitudes, abilities, and skills to attain it successfully. We often get caught up in what we think we should be doing instead of going after our core desires. Make sure your goals align with your future vision and authentic self.
Is this goal Realistic?
You must be willing and able to work toward your goal. How committed are you? Have you done something similar in the past? What do you need to do to achieve the goal? Be honest with yourself about your available time and energy and plan accordingly. And, make sure your goal is challenging enough to inspire and motivate you.
Is this goal Timely?
Anchor your goal with a deadline and mark each deadline in your planner to stay on track.
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The following is an excerpt from the book Integrative Nutrition by Joshua Rosenthal, the founder, director and primary teacher of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition:
"As you learn to nurture yourself, space opens up for you to create your future. Whatever you dream is possible. The universe wants you to fulfill your dreams and achieve your desires. The difficult part is getting clear about what you want and then having the faith and perseverance to make it happen.
Allow yourself to put time and energy into understanding what you would like your life to look like and feel like.What do you want to accomplish in your life? Where would you like to go? Who would you like to be with? The clearer your intentions, the more you can build your future according to your hopes and dreams. Whether your goal is to have more energy, heal a health concern or just be the best version of your true self each day, relish every moment of that journey. Being healthy is about moving beyond a limited philosophy of nutrition and creating your own larger vision for your health and happiness. One of the easiest and most effective ways of making change in your life is to change what you eat. The foods you put in your body, together with primary food, create the fuel for your body, mind and spirit. Health and happiness are inextricably linked. "
Institute for Integrative Nutrition
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There are thousands of self help books on the subject of setting and achieving goals. One of my all time favorites isThe Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale, an oldie but a goodie. When I was in my early teens my dad gave me a copy of this book; to this day is sits on my book shelf and I refer to it regularly.
Here is a quote from that book:
" There is real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment."A quote on reaching goals by Jack Canfield, author of many books including Chicken Soup for the Soul and The Power of Focus.
"Successful people maintain positive focus in life no matter what is going on around them."
A quote by Reverend Doctor Michael Bernard Beckwith from his book Spiritual Liberation.
"A perfectionist must outstrip the competition and satisfy the ego. A person who functions at a standard of excellence reflects his or her personal best while satisfying the heart. Those seeking perfection push others aside for the sake of personal gain. Those who strive for excellence seek success for others as well as themselves."
A few other resources:
The Power of Focus by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen,and Les Hewitt
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Power vs Force by David R. Hawkins MD
The Power of Decision by Raymond Charles Barker
Spiritual Liberation by Michael Bernard Beckwith (creator of the Life Visioning Process)
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