Starting 2021 the Right Way

In my last post, Having The Right Goals, I reflected on the positive effect of striving to meet one’s goals. My family, clients, and I have all benefited from this lifestyle and we experience continuous transformations that allow us all to live more fulfilling lives.

Now, let’s get an idea of what it takes to get from where we are now to where we really want to be. It all boils down to four practices:

1. Visualize
2. Write it down
3. Take action
4. Celebrate

Visualize! You need to create a clear picture of what you want. Some of us are great with our imaginations, but not everyone. Some may need that “to touch-to-feel” experience. This could look like a vision board, and this is your chance to let your imagination take the lead. Lose 10 pounds, write the first chapter of your book, move into a bigger place or apply for that job you don’t think you stand a chance at. Let your inner child talk. Be courageous and don’t limit yourself based on constraints you think are reasonable. Take that trip to Paris, buy that convertible, reach out to another 100 clients.

Write it down! Once you’ve seen what you want in your mind’s eye, get a blank sheet of paper and a pencil. Write down your vision as it comes to you. The ideas you generate during this stage will fuel the next phase, so don’t invest too much time in shaping them, as long as you write them down. Your only concern at this point in time should be jotting ALL of your ideas down.

Take action! Now it’s time to ground yourself and take action.

1. “S.M.A.R.T.” your goals up. Refine your goals to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bounded.
2. Put a date beside each of your targets so you have a time frame and something to work towards. Then, reorganize your list. Are your goals short-term (up to 12 months), medium (1-5 years), or long-term (5 years and more)?
3. Get started! Put your plan into motion by taking the first few steps, as small as they may be, toward accomplishing your goals so you have the necessary momentum to continue working on them.
4. Communicate your plans to friends and family members. This will push you in the right direction and help you keep yourself accountable.

Work on your goals at least once a week. You might need to realign your strategies as a consequence of “becoming” a better and more conscious human being as your values shift.

Celebrate! Celebrate every accomplishment! Open a nice bottle with your partner or with your team. Allow yourself a well-deserved day off, or simply do what pleases you. When you’re working hard, especially on yourself, you need rest and recuperation. As you reap success, make sure you’re slowing down to appreciate it.

In 2021, I recommend you give yourself an amazing gift: a set of goals. Goals instill us with a sense of purpose and now more than ever we need to feel fulfilled by what we do. The whole process of working on your goals will transform you into a better version of yourself. This transformation makes your changes sustainable and will push you towards the next phase of your life.

“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” Coelho, P. (1993). The Alchemist.