Tis the season of resolutions. In that vein, I thought it may be helpful to talk about goals. Personally, I don’t set “New Year Resolutions”, but I do set goals for myself throughout the year. As the end of the year approaches, I review my planner and digital notebook to see what I laid out as goals, their respective timelines and gauge my progress.

The beginning of the year is that time where we tend to feel refreshed. I take time to looking at my goals through this eager lens as a means for me to stay focused and continue to move forward. In addition to reviewing my already established goals, I take some time to write down anything that is not on my list. Studies show that we are 42% more likely to achieve our goals if we write them down. On top of that, one of my favorite passages in the Bible is Habakkuk 2:2-3.

Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

We are equipped with the capacity to change our stories. Take time to tend to yours. We should all have goals that we are working to achieve. The older I get, the more I understand that achieving them comes down to faith and discipline. Faith is that thing that lets us know there is a higher deity working behind the scenes on our behalf. Faith is that “cheat code”. We need it to win.

As you lay out your goals (or resolutions), here are eight things to consider as they will help along your journey.

Write your goals down. Things happen in life. When our goals are written down, we are able to refer back to them and it helps us redirect our attention and stay focused. When writing your goals down, make them S.M.A.R.T.
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Realistic
- Time bound
Take care of yourself. What good is checking goals off of our list if we are unhealthy physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually? Self-care is what allows us to build and enjoy the life we desire. Self-care is what allows us to replenish. It’s pretty difficult to build a sustainable lifestyle that does not include time for us to recalibrate. This is time that really allows for us to recharge and to continue along our journey.
Take calculated risks. A calculated risk is one in which we have assessed the benefits, the disadvantages, the best outcome and worst possible outcome. It means we’ve done our homework. Calculated risks take us out of our comfort zones, while still satisfying our analytical side’s need to make sense. The greater the calculated risk, the greater the potential reward.
Get comfortable being uncomfortable. This one ties into calculated risks. Nothing great comes from our comfort zones. It takes pressure to produce diamonds. It takes friction to produce pearls. When faced with life’s challenges, remember that something great is coming forth.
Be intentional about what you consume. This is a major key. We become what we consume and more and more like those who surround us. Stay in the presence of like minded individuals. When I say "in the presence of", that includes the characters from our favorite TV shows, our favorite musicians, magazines, books and most definitely the people in close proximity to us. We start to pick up habits and even beliefs. Make sure what you’re picking up is doing something positive for your growth.
Plan. The saying is that proper planning prevents poor performance. It does. This is where the details of our vision get flushed out. We prepare for the best and plan for the unexpected. Planning is a crucial part of achieving great things, but it is also an area where many get stuck. Know that as we move forward in our journey to achieve our goals, there will be things that we did not foresee. That is part of the process. Make the adjustments that are needed and continue to move forward.
Prioritize. On any given day, we have dozens of tasks that need our attention. Those who achieve great things know that time is not finite and prioritizing is a must. Try grouping similar tasks and blocking off time on your schedule to take care of them. Explore delegating or outsourcing tasks that do not specifically require your involvement.
Execute. Our plans mean nothing without execution. Often times, we delay executing because of fear. This year is the year that we look fear in the face and kick it to the curb.

Remember, we can change the trajectory of our lives. Take the steps necessary to make it happen.

One more thing, have you picked up your copy of “Manage Your Money”? It’s available for download at https://amzn.to/38Q1ZjZ.

Blessings to you on your journey!

Gaby