Goal Setting: How To Achieve Everything You Dream Of

2022 is going to be your year because we said so!

Today has been a good day for my ever-wandering heart. Peaceful moments of dreaming are some of the most important times for my business and my personal growth. As I sit on my front porch, soaking in the sun on this 70-degree day – only THREE WEEKS from Christmas?!?!?! – I’m reflecting on all that God has blessed me with.

My goals have changed over the years. Growing up on Long Island, my goals in my younger years were things like getting an apartment in Manhattan, being able to go to broadway shows whenever I wanted, becoming a million-dollar journalist…oh yeah, and never getting married or having kids. The military? Not even a question, I was too cute for all of that.

They say as you make your plans, God laughs, right? Years later, I look back on my military career, marital journey, and over 20 years of parenting and could not be more grateful for the person I’ve become because of those things. In each curveball life threw me, I never stopped dreaming. I never gave up on having a vision for my life. My bucket list gets some edits as wisdom sets in and my interests change, but I never threw in the towel because things weren’t going according to plan. As you evolve, it’s okay for your goals to evolve with you.

One of my more recent goals has been to be on tv. It hasn’t been about appearing on any random, halfway decent platform to brag about being on tv, though. I have yearned to make a significant difference in the world. I have wanted to show the world we don’t always have to do things the way we’ve always done them. In so many cases, familiarity isn’t half the convenience it’s whipped up to be. From the people who never knew how to reset, reclaim, and restore their lives, to the people who learn, and reached for freedom that changed the course of their lives forever, they all amplified my hunger to fulfill my purpose. Be ever ready.

Why am I telling you this?

Well my friend, let’s talk focus on you right now.

As you grow, your goals should too. It’s necessary. Even in the darkest days, waking up with hope, gratitude, and a vision keeps you going every time. It dulls negativity’s sting, and makes the positive things sweeter!

Remember how I said I had a goal to be on tv? I went on a trip to Aruba a few weeks ago. Through casual conversation, the opportunity arose to give a TEDx Talk. Having the tiniest window of time to prepare, I was grateful for the years I’d spent preparing for this moment. TEDTalks aren’t something you can wing. Years of preparation gifted me the ability to strategize quickly and tackle the challenge. My preparation included:

6+ years of training in public speaking (shoutout to Toastmasters!)
Working with a TEDx coach
Learning lessons in my business over and over to refine the process
Writing A LOT to understand my story and its power
Networking and building sincere relationships (not just back-scratching for benefits)

If you read nothing else, read this part. ANYTHING is learnable.

Everything you dream of is on the other side of dedication, determination, and a solid plan.

“Those who fail to plan already plan to fail.”- unknown

S.M.A.R.T. goals.

Yes, even the most boneheaded goals can be SMART. I’m just playing – kinda. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time Sensitive. This planning blueprint can be used in every area of your life.

Instead of saying “I want to get healthy,” turn it into a SMART goal.

Specific: What areas of your health do you want to change? (Let’s say you want to lose weight.)

Measurable: How much weight do you want to lose?

Achievable: Is this actually possible? (Yes ma’am!)

Realistic: Of course, it can be done, but is it good for you right now? Are you willing to take the necessary steps to achieve this goal?

Time-Sensitive: Someday doesn’t exist. Give yourself an end date, and work backward to develop a timeline of baby steps for yourself to stay on track.

In the end, your goal will look something like “I want to lose 10 pounds in 3 months. I will start tomorrow morning.” But seriously start tomorrow morning. Don’t let me catch you working on a government timeline.

Educate and implement.

The next step is to educate yourself on the process of achieving your goal. What mindset shifts do you need? For example, if you’re an emotional eater, what other soothers can replace your carby, sugary options?

Do you have a tried-and-true process to lose this weight? Do you understand why the weight is there and how your unique body handles fat, inflammation, and other sources of weight? If not, where can you learn? Can you work with a coach who has the experience and knowledge to get you where you want to go in a timely manner to speed up the process? Why fail fast in areas you don’t have to fail at all?

This may alter the realism of your timeline a bit, but journeys include twists and turns. You’re growing simply by reaching out with dedication to implementation. Throughout the process, it’s completely okay to adjust in your best interest and keep moving forward. As one of my favorite philosophers, Dory, would say “Just keep swimming!” There is power in preparing, adjusting, and overcoming.

Build accountability.

You are the sum total of the 5 closest people to you. Who you hang around begins to subconsciously define what is normal and acceptable to you. If all your friends are always late, you begin to think “Whatever, they’ll be late anyway. Let me take my time.” It becomes a habit and you struggle to be on time, even when it matters most – much love to my sloth-people. You’re still pretty!

Get in communities of people who share your priorities and new mindset. You’ll learn, grow, and feel motivated, not by guilt, but by inspiration and uplifting energy. Meet with one or a few once a week to check in on your progress.

What are some goals sitting on your bucket list? Comment below!

Bringing the family back to the table,