1. Write them down.
Everybody talks about their grand plans. Writing them down, on your blog, in your journal or on your fridge, makes them real.
Free PDF from Julie Ann Art
2. Keep them visible.
Don't just write them down and shove them in the bottom of a pile. Display them is a creative way so that you have a daily reminder. You can type them up in a cute font and frame them in your home, keep them listed on a cute handmade chalkboard, or create an art piece like my girl Diana to keep them visible.
DIY from Dianapantz
3. Revise them.
Don't consider it a failure if you need to tweak and adjust your goals as you go. Once you dive into something new, you will find ways to fine tune your goals, and make them more realistic or more challenging.
Here is how my 12 in 2012 have already changed...
1. Get back to my pre-sickness weight- I've added a specific number to this...130.
2. Learn to Knit- This is not as enjoyable as I imagined. I WILL be taking a class, but for now I've changed this to cross stitch/embroidery.
3. Re-learn how to sew- same
4. Read 50 books- I'm reading faster than planned and loving it so I'm adjusting this to 60 to challenge myself.
5. Get dressed- same, although failing miserably because of #1 (more on that later)
6. Go to the Grand Canyon- same
7. Finish decorating my home- same
8. Take a photography class- same
9. Hit 200 Etsy sales- same
10. Find & cook 10 new slow cooker recipes- Bleh, not a lot of healthy slow cooker recipes. This has been changed to try one new healthy recipe a week. I've found that when I'm eating healthy, I have the energy to cook in the evenings anyway!
11. Do at least 3 tutorials a month on the blog- same
Notice that most have stayed the same, but some have added improvements.
Goal Clip Board by Decoy Lab
4. Revisit them.
Every once and awhile you need to self check and make sure you are on track. Analyze what steps you've taken and what steps you still need to make. You need to have a plan.
Here are a couple of examples:
#5: Get dressed - I am failing mostly because I don't have a ton of clothes that fit me. I decided that I need to set weight loss milestones and award myself by adding a piece to my wardrobe as a reward for reaching them. This will then get me excited about getting dressed again. I realize this goal will be more long term.
#3: Re-learn to sew: I borrowed my mom's "easy" sewing machine, purchased a book, and have a plan for a first project.
5. Share your progress.
Not only is it important for your to check in, but you need to share your progress to hold yourself accountable. I plan on doing this in two ways.
I will share my progress with all of you on my blog at the beginning of every month. I will be a lot more likely to stick with my goals if I know I have to post my successes and failures for the world to see. Also, Matt & I regularly discuss our goals and plans. It helps to have somebody to bounce ideas off of and to cheer you on.
print via the spotted fox
What are your tips for sticking with your goals?
