With the new year upon us, of course I was tackling the goals that I want to put in motion. So I got them all done New Year’s Eve. I was determined to get them on paper before the New Year arrived. I will tell you about all that later.
Here’s what I didn’t do. I didn’t take the time to sit down and actually put on paper the goals I achieved last year. It didn’t even come onto my horizon. We are so quick to lash into the New Year with this plan and that plan. Yet, we rarely take the time to realize what we achieved last year. This is something Richard Branson does each year. He lists all his achievements. It doesn’t have to be typed up or written in gold pen. Simply writing out your achievements last year will make you realize that you do have the ability to do what you want to do. So I am doing this to-day. I may not have bought any aero planes, yet I know I have achieved good stuff
This Year
I am going to share with you the areas I have made sure to cover in my goals for this year.
Health
As far as I am concerned, it doesn’t matter a jot how much money anyone has, because if you don’t have your health, you have nothing. Health is a priority. With this in mind I am eating healthy (no more chocolate heaven like the last few weeks). Planning is important and most of the time it’s as easy as making lunches the night before and remembering to leave meat/fish out of the freezer so you have something to cook (always handy that!).
Fitness
When you have fat around your tummy, it’s bad news from a health perspective. So fitness goes hand in hand with healthy eating. I’m looking at walking, swimming and zumba to keep the fitness levels high. You don’t have to go and buy expensive equipment to get fit. You just need to motivate yourself for 20-30 mins each day and put one foot in front of the other! And stop making excuses. Check the weather forecast and get moving.
Spiritual
I am making a goal of reading more of writers I like in this area like Wayne Dyer and Deepak Chopra. Sometimes you can be inspired by a sentence, or just a couple of words. Most people need to find their own way whether it is through religion or spirituality or whatever their own belief system is.
Career & Finance.
I have clear written goals established for my career and business. I may not make a million dollars, yet if I have my health and I am happy, then I reckon I am fairly sorted.
Family & Social:
Regardless of what happens around us, our families are important. Taking the time to spend with your family is just as important as your job. It’s easy to get into a rut, so setting a specific day/night you can do something fun together is important.
This time of year, its also good to review all domestic bills. Are there any you could change to save money? Is your insurance up to date on cars, house etc.? If you need help, research where is the best place to get this.
Fun & Creativity
Fun is one of my top values. We need fun more than ever. I know when we were growing up, we didn’t have much money at all. Somehow we made fun from nothing. When you have nothing you have two choices, sink or swim. We laughed our way out of having no money. It may have taken years. But we made it!
Creativity:
I am convinced that the creative mind is what will turn things around for us. Creative thinkers think outside the box. They use their imagination more. Most of the time they have lots of fun doing this. Think of Steve Jobs. We are a creative nation; lets use it more often, more of the time.
Mental & Emotional:
If you do not look after your mental and emotional wellbeing, you will feel drained. You need to become your own best friend, and look after yourself.
Personal Development:
What could you do to develop personally? Maybe it’s a course you have always wanted to do. I hope the above headings will help you to plan to achieve goals in these areas. Write out your goals because research has shown that people who write out their goals tend to realize them. So even if it’s the back of a cornflakes box – go for it. Keep focusing on the outcome – what you want and how you will feel when you have realized your goals.
I will re-post a blog I wrote a while ago on setting realistic goals. Might be helpful to you.
I want to wish each and every one of you a Happy, Healthy, Fun and Prosperous New Year.
With every best wish for a wonderful year. And one more thing, Keep Hope Alive!