Setting Realistic Goals for Yourself

We have begun the second month of the New Year and many of us prepared to pretend like January was the free trial month on our “New Year, New Me” membership. Although we can start over whenever we want, how wonderful would it be to simply achieve them? There are a few nifty tricks you can put up your sleeve to make restarting your goals a thing of the past!

BE REALISTIC. Sounds complex right? Wrong. You know what you will and will not do, so before you decide to set sail ask yourself a few questions.

1. Is this the direction I really want to go in?
2. Am I doing this for myself or someone else?
3. Do I have all the tools I will need to make it in one piece?

Once you have the answers to those questions, don’t be afraid to be honest, then decide if the goal you are trying to set is right for you at that time. Perhaps there are a few smaller goals you need to reach before signing up for the 80 day regatta. This is where the tools question comes into play. Sometimes our dreams are so big we keep our eyes shut tightly while we make our way there. In theory this is beautiful but in reality we cannot make it unless we dream with our eyes open.

So as you look at the goals you have set for yourself, take a moment to work through some of the skills and tools you will need to get there. It is ok if you are not 100% prepared, you will now have more to learn and more experiences to grow from. Perhaps you will meet mentors and guides on your trip that will help you make it to the finish line that much more successfully.

It is also important to be kind to yourself. Sometimes we want to do it all, we want to save the world and saves ourselves and do all the work in between and it simply does not work that way. The secret to saving the world is saving yourself first. In order to work without we must be willing to work within. So instead of getting upset with yourself for not being able to cover the sun with one finger, remind yourself of all your progress.

Write yourself inspirational notes that will help pick up the slack on an off day because there will be off days and that is beyond acceptable. Set time aside for yourself, to take healthy breaks that will help keep sane. Reward yourself before bed every night by going over the successes of the day and celebrating them, this will help refocus your attention on why you started your trip in the first place. Being realistic is a matter of perspective. It helps you achieve balance by requiring that you check yourself before kissing a bunch rocks that will leave you ship wrecked.