As we all prepare for the holiday season, we sometimes find we don’t have the time to remember what is really important to us.
We are so consumed with finding the right present, doing the parties, sending the cards and all of the obligations thrust upon us at this time of year that we even may think we’ll be glad when it’s all over. This is a real shame.
It’s a shame because this time of year should be the time to review where you are in life and where you would like to be. If you consistently find yourself coming up way short, it’s probably because you’ve only thought about it once in a while or only at this time of year.
What I am referring to is much more than the worn-out “New Years Resolution.”
What I’m proposing is that you make this holiday season the beginning of a life-changing process.
Don’t just “promise” to do things next year…WRITE THEM DOWN! Write them down so you have a list of things you want to see happen in the next year. Then, break them down into monthly increments.
This doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I know that most people refuse to set goals because when they see the list of things they want to happen they are blown away. They think “I’ll never be able to do any of these things” and they get discouraged and quit.
If you can look no more than 1 to 3 months from now that’s fine. The important thing is to have a roadmap to review for whatever time frame you choose. This gives you a means to set your goals and see how to go about getting to it.
Once you have your 1 to 3 month targets, pat yourself on the back and do something nice for yourself. Have a special meal, dessert, take the time to watch a holiday movie, whatever. You have made more progress than probably 95% of the people you know.
Next, take this list and work it backwards to today. This will help you see how you can get there or if it’s not something that can be done in that amount of time.
Whatever you do, don’t get discouraged. You will find that as you get better at working the 1 to 3 month “mini-goals” that you will build the confidence in setting and working longer-term goals by using the same process.
The main thing to remember is it is NOT a failure to realize a goal is too large for a given time period. On the contrary, this is where your greatest victories will come from-revamping your plan to make a seemingly unattainable goal possible.
Make sure to give yourself rewards for every goal attained and you will find this becomes second nature to you and will not feel like work at all.
Wishing everyone happiness this holiday season and continued success with whatever truly motivates you.
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