It’s that wonderful time of the year again. A time full of possibilities and time to create your 2017 Goals. If that thought makes you groan and want to turn the page, this article is for you!
We’ve all created goals throughout our lives. Some we have completed; some we lost interest in half way through, and others we totally abandoned. The main reason our goals fall by the wayside is because what we consider to be a goal is just another boring task or quitting, stopping or losing something! There is a big difference.
Your Goals show the world what has a great deal of meaning to you. They reflect how you want to be known in this world. They are promises you make to yourself that you fully intend to keep. A goal is a “yes” to something, not a “no”.
Tasks are unfinished items that bring you a sense of relief when they are done. Examples include: getting rid of credit card debt, going for your annual check-up, or fixing that leak in the roof.
It’s important you create goals that light up your life and propel you forward; that bring you great joy and renewed energy; goals so exciting that the thought of achieving them sustains you when the inevitable obstacles and challenges pop-up.
One way to discern between an exciting goal and task is to use the S.M.A.R.T Goal litmus test. Make sure your 2017 Goals are:
Specific (clear and precise)
Measurable (you will be able to see the progress you are making)
Attainable (a stretch, but attainable)
Relevant (it has a great deal of meaning to you)
Time-based (a date by which it will be accomplished)
Here’s an example: Let’s say you love adventure.
Your S.M.A.R.T. Goal might be: I go white water rafting on the Colorado River with my friends by August 30th, 2017.
Now, to achieve this goal you may need to do the following tasks: lose weight; work out, and save the money; but those tasks in and of themselves, are not goals – the trip is the goal.
When setting your 2017 Goals ask yourself “When I accomplish this will I experience ‘Whew, what a relief. I finally got that done’. If so, it’s a task. However, if you feel “WOW! Life just doesn’t get any better than this!” It’s a Goal. Go for it!
And remember…Whatever your goal or dream – WE can make it happen.
Read No Groaning Allowed and the other informative articles in this issue of Soar to Success magazine.
