Can you believe we are officially halfway through 2017?! Yes, only 6 months remain for this calendar year, and then a new year will be before us! Did you set any goals for 2017? I sure did and the other day, I read through the goals I wrote down, to realize I haven't fulfilled any of them, yikes! If you are in a similar situation, the good news is there is enough time remaining to hone in on the goal that matters the most to you; it doesn't have to (and shouldn't be) postponed to 2018!
Time Is Ticking Away
Experts recommend setting goals that have a time-oriented component, so with only 6 months remaining to 2017, there is plenty of time to make significant headway before next year, but not enough time to dilly dally. Because we are now officially 50% through this year, a mile-long list of objectives to improve upon needs to be narrowed down to your top goal. Keep in mind that your goal does not have to be focused on physical health, but can encompass spiritual, psychological, social, or other aspects of health. In fact, when I initially wrote down my 2017 goals, I broke them up into 4 distinct categories: personal, spiritual, athletic, and career-oriented.
Now that I realize that I haven't fulfilled any of my goals yet (although I have made progress with the necessary foundational work that has to take place first), I am narrowing down my list to one concrete goal for more clarity. Lasting change often happens in small intervals, and attempting to change too many things at the same time may end up resulting in frustration and feelings of defeat.
Distinguishing Between the Goal and the Process
Quite often, people focus on the goal itself - the end result they want to achieve - but don't take the time to identify the actual process that has to take place for the goal (outcome) to manifest. Goal fulfillment requires knowing what has to take place on a daily basis for it to come to fruition and intentional follow through. For instance, if your goal is to eat out less and prepare more home-cooked meals, what do you have to do for this outcome to become a reality? Hint: it certainly won't take place with an empty fridge and pantry!
When I revisited my main goal for this year, I decided to identify the everyday choices I have to make for my goal to become a reality, so when I review my list each time I update my exercise log, I will know if I am on track to reaching my goal of running a half marathon this fall.
Make Your Goal Known - Layer In Accountability
There is something about confiding in someone you respect about your goal that makes the ambition seem more official. Also, verbalizing your intentions to someone who will hold you accountable, such as a friend, mentor, or loved one, increases motivation to make the necessary changes that have to take place for your goal to become a reality (tip: incorporating payment into your goal plan helps layer in an additional accountability factor). In fact, most people know what they need to do to achieve their goal, but the day-to-day, moment-by-moment decision making is the most tedious aspect that differentiates between someone who is goal-dreaming vs. goal-fulfilling in many cases.
I narrowed down my previous mile-long list of New Year's resolutions to one main goal: train for and run Richmond Half Marathon in November injury-free without digestive setbacks. Because of my foot surgery in February, I've had some hiccups in my ability to run as much as I want thus far, but I am improving under the guidance of my physical therapist, podiatrist, and personal trainer. Also, I am working with another dietitian to help guide me through some nutritional goals that I feel are important for me to address. Having a team to help guide me and provide accountability are HUGE to ensure I follow through appropriately so I am on the starting line well-prepared in November!
A recent 5K run I participated in earlier in June.
What is your BIG goal for 2017? How will you go about carrying out the necessary day-to-day preparations to make it happen? Who is your accountability partner who will give you "tough love" when you need it most?
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