#Goals

I never really was the "new year, new me" type of person. I never really made resolutions or plans to change habits once the new year arrived. But I have come to the realization on how important it is to not have resolutions but to instead have goals. No, not the Beyonce and Jay Z relationship goals, actual short term and long term goals that will help mentally, physically and spiritually. My thought process for the most part is more broad and long term. For example, I would say that I wanted to read at least half of the books in my large  book collection but then I would have no idea about how I would actually do it! That's not efficient and it does not move me any closer to achieving that goal. I'm so glad that I have people around me that challenge me to think critically about everything that I'm doing and everything that I want to do. Everyone needs people like that in their life.

So how to set goals that you will accomplish? 

Three ways: Make them specific, realistic and attainable. Also, make sure to not beat yourself up if you fall off of accomplishing them. 

Make them specific means to  break down exactly how you're going to achieve your goals. for my book example that I mentioned earlier, I broke down exactly how many books I have and then I broke down the order that I would like to read them. Then I took my planner and broke down times and days that I will spend reading.

With your goals the most important key to remember is to make them REALISTIC and attainable.

I made a full list of goals for many different areas of my life that included my finances, my reading, my time with the Lord, my time watching tv and much more. I definitely fell off the first month of the year but instead of continuing in that pattern and beating myself up, I started back again where I left off. So whatever you want to do this year and beyond, make sure your write it down, plan it out and formulate realistic, attainable goals!

Be encouraged and good luck!