The First Step

When we set goals for ourselves, we set goals that will challenge us, make us step outside our comfort zones (at least, I hope you do =)).  But when we do that, the goal seems overwhelming.  We scare ourselves into thinking we can't do it.

The key to completing those goals is to take it one step at a time. 

Losing 50lbs is daunting.  But if you break it down into smaller steps, it becomes easier.  Losing 1lb a week is easier.  It's even easier if you set how you're going to do that.  For example, cutting out 1 soda a day, parking at the back of the lot and walking to the store, taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator, eating more veggies at dinner instead of the main course...

Want to start running?  Start with working up to 30 minutes of walking.  Then start adding in a minute or two of running.  Pretty soon your running time is more than your walking time.

You don't have to focus on the end goal, just the step that's in front of you.

Let others know what your goals are and let them encourage you along the way.  By the end of the year you'll be able to look back on what you've accomplished and see how far you've come.

A New Year...

And it's full of possibilities.  But only if you're willing to step out of your comfort zone.  

Every year millions of people make resolutions and every year, only about 8% of the people keep those resolutions.  That's why I set goals and map out a plan to achieve them.  I decide what I want to do and then figure out how I'm going to do it.

But, before I even sat down to write out my goals, I wrote down my top three priorities.  This three priorities are so important that everything else has support one of them in some way.  If the goal doesn't fit my priorities, then it's not a goal I want to pursue.

For 2013, my top 3 priorities are:

1) My relationship with God- Making sure that is in line and is reflected in everything else I do.

2) My relationship with my husband and kids- Making sure that they know they are my priority and that I'm never too busy with *stuff* to be present in their lives.

3) My health- Making sure that I take care of myself so that I can take care of others and be able to enjoy my life.

This year I wrote down at least 3 goals for each area of my life- physical, spiritual, financial, business, homeschooling and lifestyle.  From those, I picked my top 10 goals, the ones that I really want to accomplish this year.  And then from those top 10, I picked my PUSH goal.  The one goal that will trigger everything else falling into place.

My PUSH goal is to declutter and to get more organized.  This will allow me the time and freedom to pursue my other goals.  Each week I'm going to focus on one area of the house and get rid of what we don't use anymore.  Once I have less *stuff* hanging around, I'll be able to organize and actually use what I have =)

My ten goals for this year (in no particular order) are:

1) Four days a week of schooling with the kids (180 for the year)

2) Read through the Bible (5 chapters a day)

3) Declutter and organize

4) Pay of credit card debt

5) 1000 miles running (19.2 miles/ week)

6) Daily reading with the kids, usually at bedtime

7) Increase our savings account

8) 10,000 push- ups (192/ week)

9) Develop my business plan that includes a mission statement and what my goal is

10) To be more joyful- find something everyday that filled me with joy

I kick started my running goal this morning.  I ran a virtual half marathon- no, that does not mean I imagined myself running it =).  I ran the Runningnerds Winter Blast Half Marathon in 1:51:51.  Which is one of my faster marathons and only about 6 minutes off of my pr.  Not too bad for running by myself.  For my efforts, I snagged this medal:

And the swag bag was pretty sweet too.  Lots of free samples and a long sleeve t-shirt and a hooded sweatshirt.

Only 986.9 miles to go =)

If you're looking for support and accountability to reach your goals this year, join my facebook page for daily inspiration!

Resolutions vs. Goals

I know I'm a bit early with this.  After all, most people don't think about their resolutions until New Year's Eve.

But, I wanted to challenge you to think about them a bit early.  And not only think about them, but to form them into goals instead of resolutions.  See, resolutions are vague.  Goals are specific.  And the difference between them is that come December 31, 2013 you'll be able to look back on your goals and say you finished them, but your resolutions with still be, well, resolutions.

So how do you turn your resolutions into goals?  Easy.  It's all about making them SMART.

For example...

My resolution:  I want to run a marathon.

My goal:  I will run the Dallas Marathon by December 9, 2012.

See the difference?  No?  Let's go a bit further.

My resolution was vague.  It wasn't SPECIFIC.  It wasn't MEASURABLE.  It wasn't ATTAINABLE the way it was stated.  It had no RELEVANCE.  And, it wasn't TIME SENSITIVE.

How did my goal differ from my resolution?

It was SPECIFIC.  It was MEASURABLE.  It is ATTAINABLE.  It has RELEVANCE to me.  And it is TIME SENSITIVE.

Here's another example.

Resolution: I want to lose weight.

Goal: I will lose 10lbs by March 1st by eating healthy and exercising.

Are you beginning to grasp the difference in the two?  The difference in being able to check the goal off your list and feeling bad because it didn't just happen?

Starting December 1st, I'm going to be running a challenge group to help you turn your resolutions into goals.  All you need to do is say you'll join.  With the support of the group and my guidance, you'll be able to turn your resolutions from 2012 into concrete goals for 2013.  Goals that this time next year you will be able to say you accomplished.

To sign up, visit my facebook page.  Leave me a message and I'll help get you started on the right path to making 2013 your best year yet!