Get Specific (4/60)

First, take time to imagine where you want to be three months from now. (I chose three months rather than a year because breaking down your long term goals to shorter stretches of time helps you keep the goals you set from seeming too far off.) I want you to imagine how you want to feel and what you want to be doing. What does that look like for you? 

Second, choose no more than three areas that you want to focus on. Consider what needs to change to bridge the gap from where you are now to where you want to be. 

Third, take those three areas you want to focus on and imagine goals that are possible for you. Make sure your goals are somewhat challenging but attainable and realistic. Your goals should also fit in with your values, and inspire and motivate you. 

Fourth, break down those three areas of focus into action steps. So, for example, if one area of focus is to improve your fitness level, and your goal is to start exercising, then one action step would be to find an exercise that you enjoy which would increase your heart rate and can be done several times each week. 

Fifth, at the end of each week, assess how you are doing. Let’s use the example from our previous step of increasing your fitness level. If at the end of the week, you have not been able to exercise so that you increase your fitness level, you might need to review what barriers got in your way.. Perhaps you need to evaluate your time management so that you are able to have time in your schedule to increase your fitness level. Don’t throw in the towel, but evaluate your progress and tweak where you need to and build on your success when you can. 

Contributors: Katie Corbett from Health, Wellness & Chocolate