Small steps for goal success

Since committing to my reading goal I have actually been able to focus on other goals that I typically try to work on throughout the entire year. I think that is the amazing thing about focusing on what may seem like a small goal…it triggers the desire to focus on more. My fiction-reading goal has helped me relieve stress, clear my mind and has made it easier to determine what goals are most important.

I love encouraging others to determine their goal focus and define the goal(s) they want to focus on right now, so I wanted to share some of my personal thoughts and goal focus.

My overall wellbeing is always important to me and on my mind. I have incorporated several changes to my diet over the past few years. I set time aside to meditate. One area that I struggle with though is physical activity. In the past, I made time for the gym, walking, swimming, yoga, etc. With three surgeries in four years, I have not really been able to find my groove or get back into a routine that works for me. I sit most of my workday. It’s been difficult to set a schedule to workout.

This past weekend I shifted my thinking. It might be difficult, but it’s not impossible. My last surgery was almost 7 months ago…I feel I’m still in a bit of the healing process and dealing with some other minor health concerns that have been part of my life for several years…again…it’s not impossible to focus on my physical health though. I realized this weekend that focusing on ‘starting’ a new routine based on my past ability was not fair to myself.

So what happened this weekend? I shifted thoughts from ‘how can I get back to where I was’ to ….where can I start NOW? What small step could be taken right then and there that would get me started? I got up and went to the closet…I had purchased a peddle / under desk cycle about 3 years ago (yes, THREE years ago). I used it now and then…but it had been put away for months and months. I pulled it out of the closet, dusted it off and sat it right in front of my chair. I did a few stretches and then sat down and started peddling.

I started peddling! Sure sitting and peddling isn’t where I was a few years ago when I was walking 3 to 5 miles any given day…but it was a start. I cycled for 16 minutes. I did some more stretches and started my day. I seriously felt more energetic…just 16 minutes and a different mindset and I felt better…Then another 16 minutes that night with a few more stretches. Yesterday was the same routine (two sets of 17 minutes and stretches). I cycled this morning for 17 minutes before work. I have been up out of my seat more today during my work morning. Oh and I even picked up my 5-pound arm weights and used them while cycling!

It’s a start and I’m celebrating my start. More so than the actual physical benefit, right now I am more positive and focused and excited about ‘starting’. A small step…a start…and who knows by this time next month I may have added workout aspects…six months from now I might be adding miles and intensity. Right now I’m moving. I’ve started. I’m excited and not allowing my thoughts about ‘where I use to be in a workout routine’ diminish where I am right now.

Small steps to my goal to better health –

• Cycle at least 15 minutes each morning and each evening while adding stretches before and after.
• Get up and walk around more at work; use the restroom on the second floor so I’m walking up the stairs at least a few times a day.
• Stay focused on my diet, cut back on some sugar.
• Use light arm weights periodically
• Define my why – Why do I want to workout/increase my physical activity? Because I want to feel better…I want my muscles to strengthen and not ache as much, I want to have more energy, I want to be more active with my nephew…

What small steps are you taking today?

Also, I’m excited to announce that my goal focused journal is now complete & available in small batch printing!!! This planner even has a section to record your weekly goal focus and record your daily focus (wellbeing, etc.)! My excitement about seeing a completed goal in print form is beyond measure and my gratitude to all of those encouraging me and supporting me extends to all visiting my sites!

Questions? Comment below or email me – successencourager@gmail.com

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Goal setting method

I personally use a goal setting method I call the window pane. It is a layout of the goal categories I focus on (read more about those here). There is a section with this method in my goal setting journal (on sale on sale now!)

How does it work?

• Review each category and the definition:
  • Well-being – Mental and physical health; stretching, walking, meditation, conscious eating, plenty of water. Ask yourself – What are my health goals, what are my limits?
  • Spirit – Self-care, gratitude journaling, positive affirmations, create, hobbies. Ask yourself – What brings joy and peace? What nourishes me?
  • Circle – Mutual relationships that allow you to give and receive support; family, friends, work friendships, recovery groups, clubs or hobby groups. Ask yourself – Who balances with me? Who supports me and invites my support?
  • Productivity – Daily routine; work, volunteering, caregiver, budgeting, learning. Ask yourself – What is my current daily schedule (define it). What do I want my future schedule or routine to look like and consist of?

• Create four sections (or use the layout in the journal) that looks similar to a window pane. Put the title of each one category in each corner. Write out your definitions of important areas in your life for each of the categories.
  • For example for Well-being, I have noted that I miss yoga, but enjoy my daily meditation. A goal that could result from this is to sign up for yoga class or research free video options and incorporate into my daily routine.
• Review your list and ask:
  • Where can I improve?
  • What area do I connect with the most?
  • What area needs attention?
  • Which area can I focus on starting today?

Once you see the layout and can focus on the area that you connect with most you can set small steps to create your new current goal focus. Don’t get overwhelmed and think that all areas need focus at once. It all starts with one focus; one step. I sometimes keep my window pane visible where I can see it daily as a reminder of what I’m focused on and what I will take a step toward each day!

I’d love to hear what your main category focus is! Comment below or email me at successencourager@gmail.com. Find me on Instagram for daily encouragement quotes!

Thanks for reading and following; keep goaling!

Why not?

It is, Why not Wednesday.
Why not start a new habit or goal today?
What will you start working toward today?

Maybe….
A goal you’ve put off long enough?
A book you’ve started, but not finished?
Finish an application you started?
Cook a new recipe you keep saying you’ll try?
Research steps needed for that side business?
Begin a new nightly and/or morning routine?
Organize that cluttered desk, drawer or closet?
Create a daily activity routine?
Take care of yourself…ways to reduce stress?

Share below 🙂

 

Read more about me on my ABOUT ME page!

Dear Vulnerability,

June 7, 2018

 

Dear Vulnerability,

Your rare appearance the other day was actually a welcome sight. I have spent years avoiding meetings with you even taking a longer path or avoiding a journey entirely at just the slight chance we may have briefly interacted.

I’ve grown over the years though. I’ve learned from heartache, forgiven my wrongs and those of others and grown confident despite my insecurities. Through these lessons I have realized just how beautiful you are.

Without knowing you, learning from you and sharing that knowledge with others there is no way to truly discover love. Without your insights I don’t think I’d truly know myself which is key in letting others know me.

Your teachings are valued beyond what my words can express. Thank you for the enlightenment. I believe we will be seeing a lot more of one another, my dear friend.

 Respectfully,

Dana

 

More information about me on my ABOUT ME Page!

Self-Empowerment

Empowerment simply means to enable or permit. Recognizing and developing your skill-set (both personally and professionally) is self-empowerment; permitting yourself to acknowledge your hard work. This will allow you to set more realistic goals, build confidence and focus. This also requires some change.

Change? Yes, change. Change is good and exciting (and a bit scary, right?). Empowering yourself might require you to change your thought process, think about your future goals, and to focus on your strengths and weaknesses and thinking more positively about them. As fast paced as personal and professional lives can be, it’s important to take a moment to breath once in a while, clear your mind and focus; allow yourself to create goals.

Sure…clear my mind…you say…no problem! So, it’s easier said than done, right? Let’s work together and break it down as most of us can be overwhelmed with work or trying to find a job, changing careers, starting a business, taking care of a family, friends, coworkers, dealing with health problems, or any other one hundred and one stresses that life can toss your way (separately or all at once!).

• First and foremost find the time. You have to find the time to define your focus; whether it’s 30 minutes, an hour, a day, a weekend.
• Focus and define. Get a pen and paper or note-taking app (whatever you prefer and have access to frequently to update, etc.) and start writing/typing out your focus. Do you want to focus on your career, business, family, relationships, writing, finishing a degree or starting classes, health? Maybe you want to focus on all of these…but for now choose the top one to three areas that you most want to focus on today. Don’t get overwhelmed, it’s not a test, it’s a start to your empowerment!
• Next to your goal(s) write a once sentence mission type statement. Sum up why the list is important to you right now and a simple plan to make it/them a priority. Ask yourself how this goal(s) will lead to you accomplishing others and/or the larger picture goals? Examples – will starting a business allow you to have more time with your family? Would focusing on your health allow you to focus more on your education and attend courses? Can you combine goals? For example – If you want to focus on meditating daily this could help your health and lower stress levels, help you focus better at work, etc. to accomplish this you could get up 30 minutes earlier, use part of a lunch hour or pick a time before bed.
• Keep your written goals visible, look at them periodically, update them, use a calendar to write notes and track your progress. Don’t get discouraged if you realize another goal is priority, simply shift to that goal and start the process of focusing on that new goal; write your mission statement, etc. Create a vision board or journal if this helps you focus. Only you know what works for you personally.
• Create a realistic timeline/schedule. Don’t stress on timelines, but set a general time-frame goal. If setting a certain time daily works for you, then schedule it. Is this part of a year plan, five year plan, etc.? Do you want this to be part of your lifestyle forever or just until you accomplish said goal or is it assisting you with another goal?
• Use this exercise to self-guide yourself; focus and expand your knowledge in the areas of your goals. Mainly, realize what it is that you want and put thoughts into actions and empower yourself to accomplish what is most important to you!

Self-guiding is the most personal way for you to focus on your particular goals. You can research information related to you and your path, personalizing your plan. This creates a higher success rate and allows you to be in complete control. It is fine to balance general guidelines with your own process. Explore what works best for you. There are webinars, books, community courses, mentors, videos, and other resources available for free through libraries, online, educational institutions, conferences, local groups, and more that can help you learn more about your main focus. Of course there are traditional course studies as well. Again, it’s just about finding your balance and what works for YOU.

Remember, you can balance personal and professional empowerment with the tips listed above. It’s time to focus on you, your goals and empowering yourself to recognize and complete steps needed for your amazing future!

Have additional tips? Share them! Have questions? Ask them!

Thank you so much for reading!