I really can't believe it is December. It feels like just the other day, that I started encouraging discussions on Mental Health. Yet, now as the year comes to an end and things hopefully start slowing down it gives us an opportunity to reflect on the year that has been and to plan for the year ahead.
Being the champion of New Years resolutions, I have seen my fair share of unrealistic expectations and unachieved goals. They vary from year to year, but it seems the theme remains the same. Lose weight, get into shape, eat healthy, change jobs, earn more money, spend more time on self care, give up drinking, etc. The list is almost endless yet, so familiar. Even though there seems to be a universality in the goals we set, there also seems to be a universality in not achieving them.
So how do we set realistic goals. Research indicates that the most effective goals are SMART
By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands—your own.” —Mark Victor Hansen
S: Specific
M: Measurable
A: Achievable
R: Realistic
T: Time based
By sticking to these parameters we create a space to not only dream but to achieve those dreams.
Someone once asked me the best way to eat an elephant... I remember thinking they were absolutely crazy... until they responded... One bite at a time
Taking our life ambitions and breaking them down into small chunks that we can achieve and monitor creates a space where we can celebrate our progress. This builds motivation and self esteem.
So as the year draws to an end... take a moment to reflect... on the year that has been and the year that is yet to come.
What would change if, just for today, you did the next best thing (no matter how small) in achieving your goals. By 2020 that will be 365 steps closer.