Having conversed with a few different people regarding the New Year, I feel the need to remind all of us: it’s day eight. Like a bottle of wine just opened, we need to let it breathe – and thereby, let ourselves breathe a bit, too.
Oftentimes I dig in when I’m ready for a change: try 75 hard or apply to dozens of nonclinical jobs, attempt to go vegan or become a triathlete. I can tell you, if you don’t already know, none of those things have happened. Not because they aren’t great goals - they are - but, they’re great long-term goals.
From where my feet stand to becoming a triathlete, for example, there are dozens of small goals I must identify and accomplish (starting with something as little as joining a gym with a pool). Research shows that we should stick to 1-3 goals so that we avoid overwhelm, and stay focused. My objective has been identifying three long-term goals for the year and then short-term or small-size goals that contribute to my success. Next week, we’ll look at more ways to create short-term goals and get into the how of goal setting. Before we do that, we need a foundation to stand on.
Goals like “lose weight” or “meditate” are realistic and common, but we need to figure out how and when - even more importantly, we need to figure out why.
Why is this our goal? What does it mean to us? How does it contribute to our growth as an individual?
In this example, why do I want to become a triathlete?
It would be cool.
I would feel accomplished.
Or:
I want to improve my endurance - Why? I want to improve my VO2 max, and live a long, healthier life.
I want to cross the finish line - Why? I want to feel proud of myself.
Another example, why do I want to meditate?
It’s good for you.
People say it helps them.
Or:
I want to relax my mind - Why? I want to notice how my thoughts influence my feelings.
I want to start my day with peace created solely for me, by me - Why? I want to give myself something.
I want to learn strategies for calming myself throughout the day, - Why? So I can stop letting the little things bother me, be less reactive, and be a better communicator.
When we get down to it, our why is what drives us. If, deep down, the goal does not feel important enough - we may have a lot more trouble sticking to it. When we are able to access our desires, we unlock massive potential and cognizant thoughts of the importance of the goal.
Give yourself LOVE and props for your accomplishments thus far. If you haven't already, hone in on 1-3 long term goals and begin to explore them. How would achieving them make you feel? What would you gain? What puts this desire in your heart? I cannot wait to see the places we go.
Onwards & upwards,
Kaylee
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