As I reminisce over 2019, I’m overwhelmed. It has been an intense year of sticking with it and pushing through to the end. It’s also been a year of personal development with the realization that it’s time for the next level. No more sitting on the sidelines watching others but taking my place as a leader in different capacities.
Back in 2012/ 2013, my life was an emotional drama scene, and my situation seemed permeant. My family was falling apart fast and I could not stop it.
In my search to climb out of hopelessness and reset, I discovered goal setting, vision boards, and planning. Terri Savelle Foy, Chalene Johnson, and Michael Hyatt became my mentors via podcasts and books. I know this must have been old news to many, but it was a bright light for me.
I always stood strong in my faith and I am sure that’s what bought me to the point of discovering the power of time-based goals and planning ahead.
Within a short period of time, I was pulling myself out of the trenches of devastation and creating a new normal for my daughter and me. All because I had something beyond my current circumstances to think about, look forward to and even hope for.
Y’all goals and dreams are powerful and superior to what’s happening at this very moment.
I not talking about broad high-level thoughts written on an open piece of mail on the nightstand, that is soon forgotten and tossed. I am talking about clear, concise, personal objectives revisited daily and weekly and drives you to that set destination.
Don’t get me wrong, I am still a student of goal setting and planning effectively. But the practice is definitely moving me toward excellence.
Best Goal Setting Practices
Read at least 1 book a month
One of the first things I learned was successful people are avid readers. So I set a goal back in 2014 to read a book a month. Reading routinely really changed the game for me. I read books on leadership, communication, money, relationship, business, etc. as a result, I felt more confident and capable.
2019 was not my top year for reading. Partly because I ingested information differently throughout this year. I attended conferences, took loads of online training on topics related to my goals and listened regularly to podcasts.
Regardless, I miss the level of competence I get from putting my eyes in a book and turning the pages for at least 20 minutes a day.
Write down the top 10 goals every day for 30 days
I now practice this step for a few months during the year although only 30 days is recommended. The first time I did, I was in awe of how the year turned out. I accomplished up to 80% of the goals I kept my eye on for the year. If not, I was able to recognize things to change to continue drilling down on the goals I missed.
Keeping the end game insight is crucial. Pen to paper your top 10 goals for 30 days does just that. Once you write your 2020 goals, it’s no good to stach them and never look at them again. Develop a routine of looking at your goals daily or even weekly. This routine trains your focus. All your energy goes in the direction of your focus or what you give the most attention to.
Be an early riser
A morning routine is worth fighting for. I am no good to anyone without getting up before my daughter and having quiet time. No matter what’s needed or going on, I get up to pray and set plans for the day in-line with my goals for the year. I never jump out of bed and start serving the family without connecting spiritually and getting peace in my heart. It’s the foundation of my day and I highly recommend this practice.
I use my bible, and devotion material I get in the mail or email monthly. I also write down in a journal anything I hear or become clear about during this meditation time.
Have an exercise routine
You have got to move your body. You are no good to anyone with poor health. Sitting at a desk all day, and collecting stress from work, home and the commute to work can make you ill. It’s critical to move your body.
I keep a set of dumbbells, a jump rope, yoga mat, stretch bands and Zumba videos handy at home. There will be days getting to the gym just won’t happen. So having some basic workout equipment is a simple way to keep an exercise routine whether in the gym or home.
Effective Goal setting and strategic planning is a proven, consistent success mechanism. As we closeout 2019, I am so thankful to have discovered predictable ways to overcome life challenges and move forward. This journey in life has become so sweet and I am excited to share it with you. Thank you for stopping by reading. Happy New Year!
