Autumn is a time for change and reflection as we let go of habits that no longer serve us. There’s no better time than the present to ask ourselves: What small change can I make now that will have a big effect on my quality of life?
Setting and achieving goals will instill greater self-confidence, create a sense of purpose, and contribute to personal growth.
Start by focusing your efforts on one area of growth that is especially important to you such as:
•Intellectual – learn a new skill, language or hobby.
•Spiritual — take time to meditate, spend time in nature attend church.
•Physical — eat a balanced diet and adopt healthy sleep habits.
•Financial — create and adhere to a budget.
•Occupational — attend a training, conference or workshop).
•Emotional — take time just for yourself for a skincare routine or to read.
•Social — join a club or go on an adventure with a friend.
•Environmental — de-clutter your home by donating old clothing.
From there, identify a specific goal within that focus area. The goal you set should be a positive action. Rather than focusing on a habit you’d like to reduce or eliminate, let the focus be on the behavior or action you will do instead. For example, instead of stating “I will not eat ice cream for my evening snack, state “I will have apples and peanut butter for my evening snack.”
Set yourself up for success by setting a goal that is reasonable. That’s not to say you shouldn’t have lofty goals and aim high, but starting with small manageable steps will be the path to success. Making sure your goal is possible involves assessing your available resources. Do you have the time, the materials, and the support people in place that will get you closer to reaching your goal?
The goal you set should be measurable and include a timeline. For example, if your goal is “to be a better dancer,” it would be difficult to know exactly when or how you achieved this.
However, if your goal is “to attend four dance lessons at Center for the Arts by Jan. 1,” you could, without a doubt, measure your efforts and determine if you had met your goal.
Setting a goal sounds easy enough, but life can be unpredictable. Factors both within and outside your control may prevent you from reaching your goal. For example, on your way to dance class, an unexpected train rolled through town and backed up traffic from Pendleton Street to the Port Watson Street Bridge. Now you’re late for dance class and you have a challenge to overcome. Consider potential internal and external obstacles and ways to overcome them because life happens.
Evaluate your progress but give yourself grace. If needed, modify your goal if you find that you either need more or less of a challenge.
Celebrating your goal achievement is equally as important as all the other steps you’ve taken. Take a moment to enjoy your accomplishment and let this feeling sink in. This will motivate you to continue your journey of self-improvement and growth.
Jennifer Sylstra is a program coordinator for Cortland Prevention Resources, a division of Family and Children’s Counseling Services.
