I really want to thank my readers for their patience. I was having technical difficulties that have now been resolved. By the way HAPPY NEW MONTH!!!!!! Can you believe it? 2013 is slowly coming to an end. As we count down to the end of the year, I want to encourage every reader that just because the year is coming to an end and you still have not achieved your goals or fulfilled your dreams; it does not make you a failure.
Although we have 27 days left in the year, it is important to take this time to do a self-check on the reasons why you were not able to follow through with your plans. Below is a list to think about or ask yourself while you make adjustments during your self-check.
1. Were your goals really realistic? If not adjust them. It's okay to tweak it. For example, if your goals were to lose weight, instead of having a huge pound goal in mind, start with small goals and pace yourself to attain it. Also it is good idea to attach a reward system to each goal that is attained as a form of encouragement.
2. What were your distractions or hindrances? Find out what exactly it is that seems to cut into your time. If there are circumstances beyond your control, then try to see how you can work around it but if it is something you can control then it is time to break yourself loose from those things. You know you can definitely forfeit some of those reality TV shows; better still record them on DVR to watch during one of your free times and pry yourself away from Candy Crush.
3. One of husband's favorite sayings " Don't defer tomorrow, what today can accomplish." I know you all know where I am going with this...... PROCRASTINATION (our greatest enemy to accomplishing our goal or to some it is known as "Opportunity's natural assassin). This is indeed a mind thing. At times our minds tends to foresee the more difficult aspect or work associated with accomplishing a goal and this is when procrastination sets in because we see the workload as being difficult and then we defer it. To overcome this little demon as I call it, in the words of NIKE "Just do it" (swoosh). Yes just get the goal started and then your brain will see the completion of the task rather than the difficulty.
4. Information is key but most times we overwhelm ourselves with a mother-load of information (reading eBooks, attending webinars, seminars, mentoring programs). I am not insinuating that there is anything wrong with it but it is important to narrow it down so that you don't find yourself spending more time on planning rather than attaining those goals.
5. Are your goals created in the moment i.e. out of a situation, event, emotions? Be very aware of the moments that lead you to set certain goals because when the wave passes by, you end up not achieving those goals. Make sure you set your goals with a clear head.
6. I remember being told that a "wise person learns from the mistakes of others." It's okay to share your goal with a trustworthy person, someone who knows what the hurdles are like in achieving the dream or goal. One who is able to direct your step. One who knows you very well that can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and is willing to go all the way. If you want to accomplish a degree, an academic counselor should have information you need on a particular major or degree, if you want to change your eating lifestyle a nutritionist can provide you with resources or if you need to get your body in shape, working with a personal trainer can put you on the right track.
7. Make sure your goals are set based on your priorities. Set it based on what will enhance the quality of your life. If you want to get a degree, work towards going back to school.
