The importance of goals

I’ve been thinking a lot about goals this week. The spring has sprung and with the light, colour and longer days comes hope, motivation and renewed energy. This time of year is brilliant for setting goals and prioritising healthy habits because we can be outside more and connecting with nature more easily. 

Goals are a great way to be clear about what we want in life and to make sure we achieve it. Goals give us a focus and framework, and keep us accountable. They say that a goal without a plan is just a wish; why waste time making wishes when you could be setting and achieving goals?

As well as long-term and short-term goals, I  like to include small daily and weekly goals that keep me focussed and motivated. My daily goals usually include water intake, exercise and incorporating at least one self-care activity into each day. This can be anything from a mindful five minutes, yoga practice, or meditation and an early night. 

My weekly/monthly goals are a mix of work and personal development. Read two books or complete a training course for example. 

I enjoy the framework having goals gives me. I enjoy being able to see progression and being able to celebrate an achievement (including the small wins). A clear goal is a route or path to your personal priority. Practising regular goal setting is a healthy habit that helps us step into our personal power and focus on creating the life we want.

Sometimes life gets in the way and we don’t achieve what we set out to. There are never any failures- only feedback- revise the goal and keep working on it. Don’t use language like ‘falling off the wagon’ if your goals are related to heathy eating or weight loss as there is no wagon but there is always the chance to try again tomorrow. 

Keep your goals SMART. Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. Visualise it, feel it with all your senses and imagine yourself having already achieved it- what does it look and feel like? Make your goals as real as possible in your conscious mind and the unconscious mind will work to make it so. 

Try writing yourself a plan. Keep a journal, use a tracker, create a mind map or vision board and stick it on the fridge. Set out your life goals and be clear about your intentions. Once you have set the destination and planned the route, you’ll be surprised how short the journey can be!

​Amy x