| January, 2010 Newsletter Happy New Year! This is always a great time to look ahead and think about what kind of changes you want to make this year. What kinds of goals are you going to set and how are you going to achieve these goals?
It’s easy to think about all of the things you intend to do in the coming year but without setting clear goals and specific timelines there’s a good chance you will drift from making the change.
How many times have you read a self-help book intending to change and a few months later you were back to where you started?
Remember goals provide you with focus and increase your commitment to making the change. So what do you want accomplish? You may want to lose weight, clean out your closet or embark on a career change. Pick one change to work on right now.
Okay, now get out your pen and paper or turn on your computer and write down your goals. Most importantly break down the goal into doable steps. Don’t bite off more than you can chew or you’ll feel like giving up. Think of each step as a sub-goal. Write down a list of steps (sub-goals) and begin to apply the SMART goal principles to each sub-goal.
Specific- if your goal is vague it will lead to a half -hearted attempt to achieve it Measurable – How will you know when you’ve achieved your goal? Attractive – Is this something you really want? Realistic – You must be capable of achieving your goal. Losing 20 pounds in one week is not realistic. Time-framed – you need to have a sensible time frame in mind. Now that you’ve written down your goal write down a list of obstacles. What might get in the way of achieving your goal and what you can do to overcome each obstacle? This will improve your chances of reaching your goal.
To reinforce your commitment write down what achieving your goal would do for you. How will you feel? What impact will achieving this goal have on the various areas of your life?
Don’t forget to ask for help. Is there someone you can team up with? Is there someone who will support you in making this change?
TELE-WORKSHOPS: 8- Week Weight Loss from The Inside Out. “It’s Not About The Diet.” Click here to learn more about it! http://www.breakthroughlifecoaching.net/weightlossteleworkshop.html The first session begins Monday, February 15th at 7:30 p.m. EST
Coming in March: “Goal Setters” Workshop – This series will include 5 group coaching sessions and one individual coaching session. All the best, Donna Deming, LMSW, Life Coach http://www.BreakThroughLifeCoaching.net |
