5 Rules for a Happy New Year

Is 2018 going to be a new chapter in your life or just the same old story?  You are the only one who can write the story of your life.  If you want to write your new story, you need to start by setting goals. 

Boring I know, but without goals you lack focus and direction. Goal setting allows you to take control of your life and provide you a target for determining whether you are achieving what you set out to do.

So, my 5 Rules for Setting Goals are:

ENSURE THE GOAL MOTIVATES YOU

Motivation is the key to achieving goals.  Ask yourself why the goal is important to you.

SET “SMART” GOALS

This means that each goal should be:

• Specific.  Your goal must be clear and specific.  Don’t be vague eg “I want to lose weight”.  You need to write “I will lose 10kgs by losing 1kg per month for the next 10 months”.
• Measurable.  Your goal needs to be measurable so that you can track your progress and stay motivated.  It should include precise amounts, dates etc so that you can measure your success eg “To lose 1kg per month, I will need to lose 250 grams per week”.  Now, 250 grams doesn’t sound a lot, does it?
• Achievable.  Make sure that the goal you set is achievable.  Set realistic but challenging goals.  Your goals should stretch your abilities but still be attainable.
• Relevant.  Make sure your goals are relevant to what YOU want to achieve in YOUR life.
• Time Bound.  Have a deadline to achieve the goal by and some milestones to help keep things on track.  This will allow you to focus and have something to work towards.

WRITE YOUR GOALS DOWN

The physical act of writing down a goal makes it real.  Use positive words eg “I will”, not “I would like to”.

Put your goals in visible places to remind yourself every day of what it is you intend to do. Put them on your mirror, refrigerator, desk, computer screen – anywhere that it is a constant reminder for you.

HAVE AN ACTION PLAN

Write out the individual steps you need to achieve along the way and cross them off as you achieve them.  This is very motivating as you see the progress you are making.

PERSEVERE!

Set up reminders to keep yourself on track, and review your goals regularly.  You may need to change things along the way – but that is ok – don’t beat yourself up over it.

Don’t let another year pass by with inaction and procrastination.  I can help!  Call me on 0487 010 121 or email me on colleen@new.lifestylecounsellingservices.com.au.