Can you believe that there are just over 5 weeks left in 2013? I don’t know about you, but time seems to just keep speeding up. It feels like just a few months ago I was ringing in the New Year with friends and loved ones! As we head into the final stretch, now’s as good a time as any to review our accomplishments for the year.
Do you have a long list of things you wanted to achieve back in January that still remain undone? If so, then it’s time to consider why you didn’t make the progress you wanted to this year. Many of us make New Year’s resolutions, but we lose focus as the year continues. Think about how packed gyms are in January and how the numbers start dwindling in February. Why do we lose momentum so quickly?
One of the reasons is because we don’t see the immediate results we desire. We live in a world where instant gratification has become the norm. When we don’t see the results we want as quickly as we want, we become discouraged. Another reason is the fact that we haven’t put a plan in place to achieve our goals. I’m sure we’ve all heard it said that a goal without a plan is just a dream. Without a strategy to achieve our goals, it is easy to get distracted and/or discouraged.
Plans don’t have to be static. The most effective plans evolve as we put them into action. When we take action on the goals we want to achieve, we learn new things and often encounter unexpected outcomes and challenges. The plan needs to be flexible if our goals are to become a reality. Remember to focus on what you want to achieve and not be too stuck on how you think it should happen. It’s impossible to know all of the avenues that exist to take you to the realization of your goal. Keep an open mind and you’ll be amazed at the opportunities that present themselves to you!
As we get closer to the end of the year, now is a great time to start thinking about your goals for the New Year and develop the plan to make them a reality. Consider what you want to achieve in all areas of your life: personal, career & education, health & wellness, relationships, financial, and contribution (charity/giving back). Break them down into short, medium and long-term goals and keep track of your progress at regular intervals throughout the year. As you see the progress you are making, you will be more motivated to keep going. Your goals can become a reality; you just have to be committed to making them happen!
If you’d like to get a head start on 2014, join me for my Jump Start Your Year workshop on December 1st.
Here’s to making 2014 your best year yet!
Sandra Dawes is a certified life coach specializing in helping women who feel unfulfilled with their 9-5 follow their dreams and pursue their passions. She holds an Honours BA, an MBA as well as a certificate in Dispute Resolution.She is working on her first book,Embrace Your Destiny: 12 Steps to Living the Life You Deserve!
Connect:
www.embraceyourdestiny.ca
www.facebook.com/embraceyourdestiny
www.twitter.com/sandradawes