How To Stay Focused On Your Goals This Year

We're halfway through March which means the first quarter of the year will be over in just over 2 weeks.

Remember those goals that you set at the start of the year...how is it going? Are you making progress?

If you just thought to yourself "What goals?", it's not too late to revisit them and get back on track.

Here are a few tips to help you hit the reset button:

Start with clarity

• When you have a clear vision it propels you through the challenges and discomfort you’ll experience on your way to your goals.
  
• Set aside time to get a crystal clear picture of what your success looks like so you'll know when you've met your goals.
• Stay focused on why this goal matters to you. Having a compelling reason for meeting your goals will stimulate positive thoughts that generate feelings of commitment, courage and confidence - key ingredients to a success recipe.

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• Allow yourself to dream and expand your idea of what is possible.
• Remember you’re learning and growing along the path to meeting your goal.
  
• Talk to others who may have completed a goal that inspires you, but feels out of reach. Finding success stories can help you to inspire and motivate you.

Make them visible

• Out of sight, out of mind is particularly relevant when you're aiming to meet goals in the midst of a busy home and work life. Post reminders of what you're working towards and why.
• Add mini-milestones for your goals on your calendar and set reminders to notify you of what actions you're committed to taking.

Break them down

• Our intentions may be strong when setting goals, but when it comes time to take action, motivation wanes.
• You may procrastinate or spend lots of time researching what you need to do or watching videos on the topic, but that will only get you so far. In order to make progress, you need to take action that produces results (results-drive action vs passive action).
• Set mini goals to take small, but consistent steps towards your goals. Ask yourself, what one thing can I do today to move forward in the direction of my goals?

Find accountability and support

• It's important to have someone who can hold safe space for you without judgment to explore your current perspective and all the thoughts and feelings driving your actions and results.
• Share your goals with people who are important to you who care about your success.
  
• Reach out for additional support from a mentor, trusted advisor or coach who can help keep you accountable and provide guidance to help you navigate the hurdles that will inevitably come.

So, take advantage of this reminder to bring focus back to your goals. And if you didn't set any at the beginning of the year, this is your opportunity to set a few meaningful goals to help you chart your course this year.

What strategies do you use to stay on track and make meaningful progress towards your goals?