For real change, you should only focus on one goal at a time. Like laser-focus. My example is Become an MS Expert.
I love the promise of a new year. Fresh and bright. God willing, a whole new 365 days to become someone better, someone healthier.What do you want your story to be a year from now? What major improvement do you want to have when you reflect on this year at the next new year?
Pick One
According to an infographic from Happify, for real change, you should only focus on one goal at a time. Like laser-focus. Hence the title of this post, with apologies to Tolkien.
My example is Become an MS Expert. Then I will focus all my habits, choices, and routines for the year on this one area of
Make It S.M.A.R.T.
If you haven't yet come across it, SMART is an acronym that is commonly used in goal setting, attributed to Peter Drucker's 1954 classic, The Practice of Management.
It has evolved to mean different things to different people, as shown below, but basically holds that to make sure your goals are clear and reachable, each one should be:
- Specific (simple, sensible, significant)
Try to answer the six "w"s
-who is involved?
-what do I want to accomplish?
-where (location)?
-when (time frame)
-which (requirements and constraints)?
-why (specific reasons, purpose, or benefits)? - Measurable (meaningful, motivating)
Establish criteria for measuring progress - Achievable (agreed, attainable)
Must be something you can be reasonably sure you are physically capable - Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based)
Must represent an objective toward which you are willing and able to work - Time bound (time-based, time limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive)
Anchored to a time frame gives it an urgency that sets your unconscious mind into action
For my example to Become an MS Expert: By end of year, in order to know the enemy, I will have read 4 books on MS, identified and visited at least two different local support groups, and found and bookmarked at least three websites for current MS discoveries.
Just Do It
Let's take one small step today to begin moving on this goal. Maybe call around to find local support groups or go to the library to look for books.
According to Happify, "Research shows that people who actually make resolutions are more likely to commit to their changes than those who just try and change. "
Finally, one of my favorite quotes is "Two of the biggest mistakes you can make in life are not starting and not finishing." It reminds us to get back up on the pathway to our goal whenever we slip off.
Related stuff
- Happify | website
"the single destination for effective, evidence-based solutions for better emotional health and wellbeing in the 21st century."