When we are setting goals for ourselves - be it career, personal, financial, etc. We need to be able to distinguish between the actual Goal and the Activities that help us achieve those goals.
Example Goal: To get out into nature more often.
Example Activities: Go for a hike every Saturday.
Do you see that the difference is in how we are framing it? My goal is to get out into nature more often. This is a goal that I know is realistic to my lifestyle, it will push me to make the time for myself, and I can feel that this goal will improve my anxiety levels and will benefit my overall wellbeing. THIS is the goal. The actual activity of going for a hike every Saturday is NOT the goal - it is the activity that will help me move closer and closer to my goal. I can also plan other activities like play soccer with the kids in the backyard, or sit in the garden with my coffee every morning. These are all activities supporting my goal; they are not the goals themselves.
Activities can and should change and evolve over time as we ourselves change and evolve. If life throws us a month with crazy busy weekends then we simply adjust the activities to continue to support the goal. Sticking with the same goal as above, if my weekend is eaten up by family commitments then I can still commit to supporting myself by taking small moments to myself while outside, or simply make the commitment and plan to get outside the following day in any way that I can.
Plan Ahead
My favorite way to support my goals is to plan ahead. If we want to achieve a goal we have to be disciplined about it and set ourselves up for success. For me, this involves taking time every Sunday evening to plan out my week. This means planning those activities that will support my goals.
Look ahead and find those gaps, or those times that you can schedule an activity that supports one of your goals. This should push you out of your comfort zone a bit. If your goals are meaningful and align with your purpose and passion then stay the course, plan those activities, and crush those goals!
Seek Support
If you struggle with distinguishing the difference for yourself in your unique situation, seek support! Your goals are so very important. As a health coach this is one area I see so many light bulb moments and pieces to the puzzle fall into place for clients. Being able to set goals and REACH them is a skillset I have been blessed with and find extreme joy in helping clients with. Please reach out if you would like to chat and see if this is an area I can support you in. Email me or fill out an inquiry form. I look forward to hearing from you!
Be well, Terren
Comments