What do you think about when you think about the future and goals? Do you think about next week, next month, or years ahead? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed and dread thinking about the future? The future goals should be for everyday life, not just for the New Year! So, let’s figure out a way to create a future that inspires and delights you!
The future is reality; it belongs to you, and how you move forward starts right now! Leaning new ways to embrace and approach to focus on goals that help your self-worth, resilience, and self-confidence. You deserve a future you abundantly deserve!
“People with goals succeed because they know where they are going.” -Earl Nightingale
Setting Goals
This is where we begin listing what the future looks like, how to move forward, and how to create something specific to you! Imagine that feeling when you accomplish a goal, check it off, and fulfill something worthwhile.
What is the goal? Remember, this can be a small goal that can be achieved in less than 30 days. We all must start somewhere, so this is baby step number one. BRAINSTORM goals and jot them down on paper, a note in your phone, or download an app that may help you create a list of goals.
Now look at your goals after you have a list, start PRIORITIZING them, and set little notes next to them, such as 30 days, six months, etc.… If it feels better, write them in pencil – use that eraser and see what feels right for you!
CLARIFY and start a new sheet of paper. Write them in priority as you see fit, no matter what others may think. Don’t be hard on yourself, these goals can change! Your future and your goals will likely change over time. This is just a tool to help get you started!
You now have the GOAL and the TIME range to meet the goal. Now how will you achieve the goal? Write down ideas on how you can effectively reach your goals that will be satisfying to you. There is no failure! Sometimes life happens, we must adjust and start again!
REMINDER
It’s OKAY to change your goals and/or the time frames. Start small and take one step at a time.
Create a network of support to help you achieve your goals. Here are some examples:
Financial goals
Create a budget, work with a friend, loved one, or hire a financial coach to help you find what’s best for your financial goals.
Weight loss
Find a partner to work with. Start by walking or going to the gym once a week. You don’t have to jump in and start off vigorously three times a week! Take this slowly and it’s more likely to stick!
Journaling
Pick a nice journal that you like. Maybe it has lines or dots, there is no right or wrong. Set a small goal to journal once a week. Take it from there. Once again set low expectations (goals) which can be easily obtained rather than a goal to journal every day!
Research something new
This is one of my favorites! Take some time to research something that interests YOU, that you want to learn, OR just teach yourself something new. Remember, crating and working on goals allows the brain to form new behaviors! Some call this “Brain Training.” (Berkman, 2018).
So, get moving towards the things you DESERVE and WANT! Take one day at a time and recognize your goals are nothing more than something to work towards. Helping to find the motivation is here at Sea Glass Mental Health!
“You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will ” -Stephen King
References:
Berkman ET. The Neuroscience of Goals and Behavior Change. Consult Psychol J. 2018 Mar;70(1):28-44. doi: 10.1037/cpb0000094. PMID: 29551879; PMCID: PMC5854216.
Meet The Author
LEE ANN WEILER
MAC, LPC, CCTP, EAT (Q)
Meet The Author
Lee Ann is a Clinical Therapist. She works with teens, adults, and couples. Lee Ann specializes in PTSD, trauma, and women’s issues.
