The final quarter of the year tends to be our most successful.
It's when we put a big push to finish out the year on target for those goals we set way back at the beginning of it - and then, the holidays hit and we take our foot off the gas, spend some time with family and friends and rejuvenate our spirit.
And then... the calendar flips to a brand new year!
And it's time to get back in the saddle, set our sights once again, and get moving powerfully and productively toward creating the results we want and achieving our winning outcomes!
But it's been a lonnnnng pause, right?
It can be tough to get moving again and to stay focused - we've lost all that momentum we had going on back at the beginning of December and it seems you're facing a massive mountain.
Staying motivated to summit that peak and see the realization of your big mountaintop goals can take some recommitment after the long holiday season, but - if that mountain has been conquered by others before you - you can do it too.
Now's the time to set yourself up for success and make this year your best one yet!
It can also be especially challenging if you're not so excited about doing what it takes to achieve your goals for the year and if you're anything like me, and inclined to procrastinate, some old-fashioned FOCUSing is due.
Here are my Best Success Keys to help you stay on track to achieve your big mountaintop goals and make this year your best year yet.
1. VISUALIZE THE END RESULT
By creating a visual in your mind, on paper, in your journal, on your computer - however you prefer - of exactly what it is that you'd like to achieve this year, you'll have a better understanding of how to motivate yourself - and actually do what it takes to achieve your goal.
Take Action:
- What exactly do you want? Write it down.
- Add pictures if that helps you to visualize the end result.
- How will you feel once you've accomplished your big goal? Write that down too.
- How will you celebrate your achievement?
- What does achieving your goal mean to you?
Be specific about the difference accomplishing your goal will make in your life.
Check this list regularly, or view our vision board often.
I recommend multiple times in a day - start the day with it, read it at lunch, finish out the day as you head to bed, and evaluate your progress as you go.
2. DETERMINE WHAT DRIVES YOU - Understand your 'Why'
- Are you driven by your own needs or desires?
- Are you motivated by those of your family or loved ones?
- Maybe you're driven by a desire to serve your clients, to fit into all those clothes in your closet, to become entirely debt-free.
Understand WHY you want to achieve your big goal and then determine what you're willing to do to achieve it.
How badly do you want it this year? Is THIS year THE year you're going to do it? Finish it? Achieve it?
Take Action:
- What are you passionate about?
- How are the values tied to your goal?
Write down the specific reason you want to achieve your ultimate goal. Post it near your workstation so you can easily see it every day.
3. MAKE A PLAN - WORK YOUR PLAN
Once you've decided what is it is that you want to achieve or create for yourself, and you've determined WHY you want it THIS year, the next step is to figure out what you have to do to make it happen and then, allocate the time for it.
Take Action:
- Create an action plan to achieve your goal
- Break down your goal into smaller, more manageable goals
- Order the steps to make it happen
- Create a realistic schedule - put time-bound targets on each step
- Give yourself a set amount of time each day to do something that moves you toward completing your goal
- If you're not finished when the time's up, move the rest of the task to your next available time slot or to the next day
4. DIVIDE AND CONQUER
If you're like me, you're spinning a whole bunch of plates: family, the house, your relationships, your boss or business, and client deadlines... all demand your time, energy and attention.
Take Action
- If you have a spouse or kids (or both), hold a family meeting to get your team on board with what you're trying to do.
- Divide responsibilities to free up some of your valuable time so you can devote it to achieving your goal.
Children who grow up with regular responsibilities become more self-sufficient, so you're actually helping them by getting them to pitch in.
Kids can pull weeds, rake leaves, sweep, vacuum, take out the garbage, put away laundry, keep their rooms tidy, set and clear dishes, load and unload laundry machines and the dishwasher, walk the dog, and scoop the litter.
Maybe your partner can pick up the groceries or take a turn with the meal prep and cooking some of the days of the week.
Time-Saving Tips:
- Plan your grocery shopping so it happens just once a week instead of five times.
- Batch cook on weekends so you're not having to cook as often during the week.
- Pay your bills online once a month to avoid trips to the bank and post office
- If picking up kids from school is on your list, see if you can share the responsibility with another mom who lives in your neighbourhood
5. REWARD YOURSELF - CELEBRATE ALL PROGRESS
Rewards are the BEST motivators! Staying motivated is infinitely easier when you have something exciting to strive for: a cup of specialty coffee or tea, a special treat or a favourite book, a date night with your partner, a meal at your favourite restaurant, or a mini getaway.
Take Action
Set up small rewards for each stepper goal you achieve along the way that brings you closer to your big mountaintop goal.
This can be as simple as a date night with your partner where you get a sitter for the kids and celebrate.
It can be a new accessory for your wardrobe or spend some time planning the exciting trip you'll take when you do reach that big goal.
Do whatever it takes to keep you motivated to stay on track - add that to your calendar. Make time to celebrate your progress along the way.
6. MOVE MORE
Take Action
If moving your body daily is already something you do, congratulations to you. If not though... it's time to get more active.
Clear your thoughts by incorporating a brisk walk into your daily routine. 20-30 minutes of movement is all you need to get some fresh air, and sunshine, and to get the blood flowing in your veins - and those endorphins popping.
Not only will you have a clearer head to focus on what you have to do - your body will thank you.
Making daily movement a part of your regular routine will have surprising benefits.
7. UTILIZE PUSH POWER
It may seem like a dirty little trick, but sometimes we have to do whatever it takes to stay motivated.
Ultimately, people are motivated by 2 things: Fear and Desire.
We desire a particular outcome or we fear one and will avoid it.
Take Action
Try looking at what you want from a different angle. What would happen if you didn't reach your goal? How will THAT make you feel? Analyze what's at stake and let the fear of THAT outcome motivate you into action.
Review your goals, take focused action each day and if you'd like some help with breaking your goals down into action steps and moving from where you are to where you want to be, I'd love to chat.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP... WITH ME
Contact me today for your ZERO Cost Rapid Results Strategy Call.
You'll come away with:
- A crystal clear vision for your ultimate success and
- A simple step-by-step Action Plan for how to achieve it.
- Some free resources to help you get there.
By the end of our call, you'll be re-energized, renewed, and inspired to achieve your big mountaintop goals for the year.
About the Author
She's passionate about helping women design and build the life or business they love.
For more information about her services or programs, visit www.coachforlife.ca or send her an e-mail: andrea@coachforlfe.ca.
