Specific: Goals should be clear and as specific as possible, and answer these questions: who is involved, what do I want to accomplish, where must this be done, when should it be performed? So, instead of “Get fit,” your goal might be “Lose 15 lbs. before my vacation to Hawaii. " Measurable: You must be able to measure or quantify your goal with concrete criteria. This way you will be able to see your progress and you will know when you’ve met your goal. With the weight-loss goal of 15 lbs. , you can track your progress pound by pound and, once you’ve lost those 15 lbs. , you know you have achieved your goal. Achievable/Attainable: Use your common sense to decide whether or not you can realistically meet this goal. It should require you to stretch yourself and make changes, but shouldn’t be something wildly out of reach. Think about the skills and knowledge you have now and what you might need to learn in order to achieve your goal. Think about your past and whether the goal is simply a stretch or if it is unrealistic. Relevant: Ask yourself why you want to achieve this goal, and if it will be fulfilling for you. Getting a law degree at Harvard might be achievable for you, but is this really what you want? If your passion lies with the culinary arts, maybe a better goal is to move to France for a year and learn to cook. Consider the other things going on in your life and whether they align with your goals. Time bound: You must set an end point for your goal. It shouldn’t be vague (like “by this summer”) but a point that can be found on a calendar (“by June 15th”). Having a specific timeframe can give you a sense of urgency and motivate you to keep on track.
Use magazine clippings or paint your goals. Use resources from the internet to help you create your board.
If you value creativity and art, yet find yourself crunching numbers for a living, you may not be living in alignment with who you are. Consider adding more art and creativity into your life, or pursuing a career that allows you to be creative. Think about who you are when you are at your happiest and when you feel most authentic. If you need help, check out How to Be Yourself.
Try yoga, mini-meditations, positive self-talk, prayer, deep breathing, or play. To learn more about managing stress, check out How to Reduce Stress, How to Relieve Stress, and How to Deal With Stress.
If your friendships feel unfulfilling, connect with people through a shared interest. Love meditation? Attend a meditation workshop or join a sitting group. Always wanted to rock climb? Check out gyms and climbing festivals and where to learn how to climb. You’ll meet people that share the same interests, and instantly connect.
Shoot to get seven to ten hours of sleep each night (or if you’re a teen, 8-10 hours). [8] X Research source If you struggle to fall asleep, check out How to Sleep Better for tips.
It’s hard to get over the fear of stepping out of what feels comfortable. Take some baby steps, start small and celebrate your successes. Get inspired by other people who have stepped out of their comfort zone and thrived, then know that you can do it, too! Staying within your comfort zone in fear of embarrassment limits and deprives your life of the fun you can experience. Step out of it with courage and boldness; who cares what others think of you? Be yourself, and do what you want. Check out How to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone for more tips.
When you taste food, devote your thought processes to the food. Take a moment to smell the food, and notice how your body reacts to the smell. Then, put the food in your mouth, but don’t chew yet. Observe the texture and the flavors. As you begin to chew, notice how it feels between your teeth and on your tongue. Notice when you become distracted, and bring yourself back to the moment with your senses. Let your thoughts take a break and engage with your environment.
Begin and end each day by observing three things for which you are grateful. Connect with the feeling of gratitude, don’t list things you have. The less material your focus, the better. Be grateful for your friends, for the ability to walk to the market, and the feeling of the sun on your shoulders.
When you notice negative thoughts, observe them, then choose to think of something positive. For instance, combat thoughts like, “I’ll mess this up; I’ve never done it before!” with “I am so proud of myself for giving myself the opportunity to try something new. ”[13] X Expert Source Annie Lin, MBALife & Career Coach Expert Interview. 25 November 2019. If you’ve really embarrassed yourself and feel like your life is over, tell yourself, “Everything will pass and eventually blow over. Britney Spears shaved her head and had a public meltdown, and nobody seems to care about that anymore, so nothing will follow me forever. ”
For example, if you’re trying to learn a new language, the best way to jump in is by speaking. It can be terrifying to speak a foreign language, but accept that you will make mistakes and learn from them. Improvement often requires risk, and it’s okay to make mistakes! Recognize that even things that look like mistakes or failures can be learning experiences for growth. If you encounter setbacks, don’t give up: tell yourself, “Now I’m more aware of what doesn’t work,” and try something different.
