5 Tips For Accomplishing Your Life Goals

1. Do it for you. Don’t set goals for your mother or your husband or because something is important to someone else. Choose your goals based on your own priorities. When it really comes down to it, you’re not going to be as motivated to accomplish something that doesn’t mean anything to you. Figure out what’s important to you and start with that.

2. Action Items. Set a goal and make a list. Break it down. How are you going to get there? You need to figure out exactly what steps to take to get from point A to point B… As silly as it sounds, I tend to outline everything that I do, but it helps me to prioritize whatever it is that I need to do to accomplish said goal. You could also break things down and add each step of the process to whatever calendar app you use. I’m currently using Outlook. I should probably get with the times, right? It works for me, though. I color-code everything, so I can see at a glance where I stand.

3. Slow and Steady. Break up each of your goals in multiple smaller ones. It’ll give you a sense of accomplishment each and every time that you check something off your list. Keep working toward your larger goals and remember the big picture. When you can see your progress – where you’ve come from and where you’re going, it’s also makes it easier to see the finish line.

4. Accountability. Let’s be realistic, when there’s someone encouraging you along, you’re more likely to actually stick with something. Join a group if you have to. I know that for most of the things that I’m interested in, I’ve found at least one group on Facebook where we can offer each other encouragement and a shoulder to lean on. Is your goal exercise-related? Is there someone that would want to walk or run with you? If you’re reorganizing your house, do you know someone that could check in on periodically to keep you on track? Find yourself an accountability partner and stick with them.

5. Give it time. Don’t rush yourself. Whatever it is that you strive to do isn’t suddenly the end-all, be-all. Take your time with it. You don’t develop new habits overnight and you may have a few minor setbacks along the way, but that’s okay. You’ll get back up, dust yourself off, and keep on keepin’ on. That’s what you do, right?

Are you a goal setter? Is there anything in particular that you like to keep in mind when you’re setting goals for yourself? Leave a comment and add to my list.

Written by: Cristi Wuenschel