NEW YEAR GOAL SETTING
Hello there, 2014.
After all the feasting we've done over the holidays, I always look forward to getting back to healthier eating once Jan 1 rolls around. That and getting back to our daily routines, including regular exercise. Other then lifting drink and fork to mouth, a few walks and one ski day, I did diddly squat worth of activity over the last two weeks. My body is revolting.
I'm not one to set resolutions this time of year (I do, however, resolve to decrease my sugar intake by 90% from holiday levels). Years ago, I was working for a popular yoga wear retailer that required their employees to do homework tasks, beyond selling the overpriced merchandise. Okay, so the free yoga was nice, but we were also expected to set and share personal goals. I'd never worked retail before, but I thought this was a little odd. It was just retail after all. Most of us were there to make some cash and score their sweet employee discount on the gear. But if reading their books, listening to hours of Brian Tracy, and setting goals meant I'd have a job, get free yoga and a great discount, I would join their cult.
The books were interesting. The free yoga was great. But the goal setting is what stuck with me. Oddly enough.
Every year around my birthday, I still write and tweak my goals. I think it's kinda weird that a part-time retail job taught me to set goals properly.
I write 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 year goals for career/financial, personal and health. They are short and specific, and all laid out on a one page table. Not all of the boxes are filled out. Some boxes have more then one goal. The one and three year goals are usually more specific (i.e. swim 3X/week, core work 3X/week). Whereas the long term goals may be a little more vague (i.e. own a lakefront cottage). Or dreams.
It's been neat to see them evolve over the years. To see how priorities change. Most are achieved, but some are not, and that's okay.
If you are goal setting this time of year, don't forget that special little goal setting acronym, S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-targeted). Remember that? Write them down. Stick them on the fridge or on your phone. Share them with someone special who will support you and your goals.
I have one month before I review my goals. So today, I just send a little wish to the wind for 2014: for health and happiness for me, my husband and B, and for my family and friends. And especially for the new mummas and mummas-to-be out there.
Welcome, 2014.
