2020 is right around the corner - don’t wait until December 31st to set (or start) your goals.
We’ve all been there. It can be easy to put off setting goals and incorporating healthy habits into your routine until a calendar day indicates that it’s time for a new beginning.
The truth is that each day is a new beginning. Each day is a new opportunity to make the changes that you’ve been wanting to make. Even if it’s a minor tweak, you can and should start today.
Sure, using January 1 as inspiration for change and growth is perfectly ok. That being said, incorporating goal setting and mindful decision making should be a part of your routine every day of the year.
Here’s how to get started now in working toward building the life of your dreams:
1. Take out a piece of paper and create a vision. Without thinking too much, brainstorm:
If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
What is your dream job?
What does your ideal life look like?
What brings you joy?
What do you want to be remembered for?
These are just a few questions that you could ask yourself. Essentially if financial, geographical, and all other limits were erased, what would your life look like?
2. Picture the specific things, people, and achievements that you will be present in your life in future time periods - for example 20 years, 10 years, 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, and 6 months. Make sure the things that you’re writing down align with your vision from the first step.
3. Think about specific goals that align with your vision and with your dream life. Divide these out to keep things simple - here are some potential categories to place them under:
Family
Health/Wellness
Spiritual
Education
Professional
Finance
Get specific with your goals - make sure you include a “by when” and make sure there is a “why” behind each one. Your overarching vision and passion for your dream life should drive each goal.
4. Make mindful decisions in your daily life that align with your values, your vision and your goals that will propel you toward the life you want to live. Revert back to your goals as a home base to keep feeling motivated, even on the days when your inspiration is lacking.
5. Once you have established your goals - tell people! Tell your loved ones, tell your friends, share them on social media. Use this as a way to maintain accountability and build trust in your relationships with those who are closest to you. Check in regularly and be open about how things are going.
6. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Life is meant to be a journey. Enjoy the process, learn from the setbacks, and remember that each day is a new beginning. If you get off track or even change your mind, give yourself permission to be OK with it.
What is one goal that you want to accomplish in 2020?