Secrets to Staying on Target with Your Goals
Secrets to Staying on Target with Your Goals
Have you already fizzled on your goals for the year? You’re not the only one! In fact, there is actually a day in mid-January officially titled, “Ditch Your Resolutions Day,” because it is generally assumed that most people have given up their goals by then. It’s good to know we are not alone, right? But why do we tend to give up on our goals? Often the reasons are quite simple. Most people tend to:
- Set unrealistic goals
- Set too many goals
- Forget about their goals or lose interest
Let’s consider some practical ways for us to get back on target and stay there. Here are three simple secrets:
- Review at the First of Each Month. It’s difficult to keep the momentum going in September for goals you set in January, so consider revisiting your goals at the beginning of each month. I recommend setting monthly goals instead of yearly goals. Make an appointment with yourself on the first day of the month to set your objectives and think about what you need to accomplish.. Write your monthly goals on index cards and place the cards where you will see them often, or add them as an alert on your phone. You are much more likely to remember your goals if you see them in front of you on a regular basis. Keep your goals realistic and achievable, but stretching and challenging as well.
- Reduce the Amount of Goals You Want to Achieve. A plethora of goals can be overwhelming and set you up for failure, so I suggest that you reduce your monthly goals to simply three. Setting three monthly goals helps you narrow your focus and feel less scattered, plus they are easier to remember and keep at the forefront of your mind. Don’t confuse goals with new habits you may want start. Goals should be specific and measurable with an end in sight, while habits are routines that you put into action on a continual basis.
- Record your Progress.As you review and refresh your goals at the first of each month, take a look at how you did on the former month’s goals. Write down your accomplishments either on your calendar, phone or your index cards. Celebrate your achievements and revisit the areas that need improvement. Consider the factors that distracted you from your goals and then make wise adjustments for the next month.
When it comes to goal-setting, one of the most important questions to ask yourself is, “What will it take for me to accomplish this goal?” Write some of your action steps underneath each of your three goals. We set goals to help us improve, grow and be more productive. Our end goal should be to use our God-given gifts and talents to honor God and bless others. Let’s be thoughtful and prayerful as we continue to press on toward the goal of our upward call.
Karol Ladd
“Goals give you the specific direction to take in order to make your dreams come true.” Bob Conklin
Karol Ladd is the best-selling author of over 35 books including The Power of a Positive Womanand Thrive, Don’t Simply Survive. She is a popular keynote speaker for conferences, retreats and events. Karol is the founder of Positive Life Principles and the director of Engage Positive Parenting Initiative. Her most valued role is that of wife to Curt and mother to daughters, Grace and Joy.
Women of Faith is a global ministry, specializing in the use of all forms of media & technology, as a conduit to connect people to people and exponentially grow friends and community globally and to create disciples 24/7, 365 days per year. This allows Women of Faith to reach more people and to have more impact in growing God’s Kingdom. Women of Faith is also committed to carrying the legacy of wisdom, story and authenticity, by providing various media, initiatives, resources, events, courses, studies, partnerships and programs. These are utilized in delivering spiritual strength, life leadership, real relationships and to encourage and equip women to experience a deeper relationship with Jesus. Women of Faith's Foundational Voice is Alita Reynolds.
