“Every story has an end, but in life, every ending is a new beginning.”
In the craziness of life, I set short term goals. I think this time next week, it will be over. I live by my google calendar. Why do this? An attempt at organization. An attempt at mentally charging myself. If you really think about it… there is never an ending… life keeps moving. It is a cycle.
At this time in the year, many of us reflect on the past year and choose next steps for the upcoming year. The end of a year and the beginning of a new one brings about a spark of intense motivation. For me, it is like getting a new coloring book and colored pencils. I have this “want to” and slowly it dwindles.
My top 3 accomplishments for my story of 2016 was…
- Being Healthier
- Presenting at Conferences
- Blog More/Create a Professional Website
These being my top three, at the beginning of 2016, I only set out for one of these. The other two were happy surprises.
Setting INTENTIONAL goals…
- Set goals that you care about…
- Set goals that will make you feel strong…
- Set goals that motivate you…
- Set goals that will make a difference in an area of your life…
- Set goals that are trackable…
- Set goals that follow your overall mission…
Setting SUCCESSFUL goals…
- Create an action plan
- Have an accountability partner
- Track your progress
- Don’t give up on your goal
- Involve others
Setting ACHIEVABLE goals…
- Start small
- Be realistic
- Make sure they are tangible
- Driven with purpose
- Set a time
For example: My #1 met goal 2016 was becoming healthy. I set a goal, not to lose weight, but to become healthy. I reached out to Lee Ann, who was an inspiration in her healthy lifestyle journey. She was honest, transparent, and real with me. I appreciated that. She encouraged me to join a group she ran through Facebook. This was a great moral support. This group gave me ideas, held me accountable, and gave me purpose. I chose this goal at the end of 2015 because I was at a point where my doctor was suggesting Weight Loss surgery. I was determined I was going to accomplish a healthy lifestyle on my own. I started with 21 days of eating exactly what I should eat… during these 21 days, I created healthy habits. I shared food successes and weight loss successes. I had a path to choose at the end of the 21 days… continue or fall off? Because of the goal being driven with purpose, and the small wins, I kept going. I was not overwhelmed. I was optimistic.
Throughout 2016, I continued. I met new goals. I achieved the steps on my action plan. I reflected upon successes and failures. I have NEVER felt more accomplished about a New Year Resolution before. Setting this intentional, successful, and achievable goal, made all the difference.
But as 2016 comes to a close, 2017 is here and a new beginning is upon us.
So, here are my goals for 2017…
Continue staying healthy
Pray and Study the Bible more
Make more time for my family
I could not be more excited for what tomorrow, the next week, month, and year may have in store for me. I will power through. I will accomplish. I will be successful. I will achieve. I am ready for this new beginning.
What does your new beginning look like?
Jamie Chenault 