Happy New Year!
As you know the new year brings lots of baggage from the past and many people make a resolve to change or do better in the new year. Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn’t. But what happens when there is no plan or system in place to help you execute those resolutions?
We as individuals tend to fall off, quit, lose our drive or passion, because there wasn’t a system in place to help us succeed. How many of us have crossed this bridge? Did you make it to the other side?
I have noticed that when I don’t have my quiet time, a hot shower or a quick workout in the am – my whole morning feels a little bit off. When I take a few moments in prayer (or meditation if that is your choice), and I spend that time quietly reflecting on God’s Word – there is a peace and calm that consumes me. Because in a few more minutes there will be a million Mom’s and knocks at my door at O’before 7 am in the morning!
I have to wake early before my children do if I want to get that quiet time, me time, workout time or whatever I want to do without interruption time! I know so many of you can relate, especially if you have children!
So let’s define what goals are…Merriam Webster defines goals as:
Goals – the end toward which effort is directed
Let’s talk about Goals and what they are:
- attainable
- tangible
- write them down
- check them off when completed
- goals have a destination, date, a deadline
- visualize
- strategize
- organize
- work towards a set goal
- make a schedule
- create a routine
- create a plan
Attainable goals – Start with today, What do you want to accomplish today? Here are a few examples to get started…
Weekly – Keep my home organized, work-out 2-3 times a week
Monthly – Maintain the family budget, manage household efficiently
Yearly – Maintain a healthy lifestyle of fitness
5 year plan – Take a vacation every year
10 year plan – Purchase a new home, invest money in profitable ventures
20 year plan – Plan for retirement, college tuition
Resolutions
What are Resolutions?
Resolutions are more like promises. How many times have we made a resolution at the beginning of the year only to break that resolve by the end of January. I decided years ago, that I was no longer making resolutions but setting goals.
What do we know about Resolutions?
- promises get broken
- we start and stop
- we lose passion or drive
- mere words if no real action follows
- no support systems in place
- we lack accountability
- no real organization of goals
Recently, I ordered the Powersheets – Cultivate What Matters|The Intentional Goal Planner, by Lara Casey (this is not a sponsored post) to help me plan and stay focused. This is my first time using the planner, so if you are familiar with the planner let’s chat and keep each other accountable.
For me this was a big step in goal setting and a different way to thought plan and organize. I have always been a list writer, planner user, stationery gal, journal writer and so on and so forth. This goal planner is a challenge, because it is causing me to look inward and to face my fears and write down all those thoughts that are buried beneath the surface. The Power Sheets offer so much support to help you find yourself, what works, what you are grateful for and what steps you need to take to make lasting changes and cultivate your dreams.
I will be sharing my journey along the way and how it is working for me. This is the method I chose to help me with accountability and goal setting for 2018. It will be a challenge, but I know I will grow in the process and the journey will be rewarding.
What Goals or Resolutions have you established in this new year? We would love to hear what you chose and how and if it is working for you or not. Leave a comment below!
So good and I enjoyed your insight. You made it very clear and practical. Systems that work are essential. I’ve heard much about the Powersheets, so glad it’s a system you’re using. I use the Heidi Swapp planner. It’s also the perfect combination of a daily calendar, to-do list, and a life journal.