Since the beginning of the year, there has been one thing that I have stuck to, and that is focusing on achieving my goals. Now that we are almost at the end of the year, I am seeing the results and reaping what I sow!
If you've been following me for a while, you will know about all the goals and challenges that I have set for myself and how I've been able to achieve them.
So now I want to pass on to you, what I've learned and the habits I have ingrained into my lifestyle to achieve those goals. Whether its just accomplishing a to-do list for the day or achieving bigger life goals you've wanted to achieve.
When it comes to the smaller tasks you need to get done, i.e. running errands or tackling the house work, I find it easier to make a To Do list the night before or in the morning tod prepare for the day ahead. The list doesn't necessarily have to be in order. The benefit of writing out a to-do list is so that you can empty your mind so you can physically see what needs doing and tackle one task at a time. I call this method Brain Dumping and I also use this technique to organise my life in general ( I have a post all about brain dumping here).
Once you've finished one task you can tick it off and move on to the next until all your tasks are complete!
Now for the bigger goals in life that take longer than an afternoon, a lot more organisation is needed. Its a bit more challenging but it is doable if you keep to your deadlines and budgets. There may even be sacrifices. But its all worth it in the end!
So over the past 10 months I have walked the thin line of budgeting my money, sacrificed some activity times (due to money), balancing life, and I want to share with you the steps I have taken to achieving my goals so far this year and share the examples of how my dream turned into a plan, and my plan into actionable memories.
Step 1- Know your Deadline
What I've found to be crucial is to give myself a deadline as to when I want to accomplish a certain goal. This isn't quite the case for all goals, for example, I completed a 100 day Gratitude Challenge earlier in the year, that didn't need a deadline but I knew it was a challenge that would take 100 days to complete, and also only 24 hours in a day to post. Seems easy at first, until you run out of things to say (and I would often put off posting until the last hour of the day).
Knowing your deadline gives you the chance to work out the logistics backwards so you know what you need to do to move forward. Sounds weird I know, but in order to successfully achieve/complete a goal, you have to set realistic steps and give those deadlines to move on. You cant get to point C without doing point A and B first.
For Example, With my blog I try to post every Monday, so in order for it to be ready, I choose the topic I feel the most drawn to, I spend a few days writing the post, then I need to create the graphics and pictures. So by the time Monday rolls around, everything should be in its place and ready to publish.
Step 2- Plan the logistics
So now you've set the deadline, you need to think of how you're going to reach your goal logistically.
These are the steps you need to take to get you up the progression ladder, one step at a time. I basically revealed the logistical steps in the example about my blog. However, the bigger the dream, the more steps there are to take and to consider.
The key factors that usually hold people back is How long will it take and How much money is involved in bringing the dream to a reality? There might be other factors to consider depending on personal circumstances. But just like everything else, it all takes practise to master the balancing act of life.
Like when it comes to booking a holiday, Its all well and good deciding on a destination, however paying for it can be the tricky bit for many of us so taking a look and taking control of your finances can make the difference of you going on that holiday or not.
Personally I have always wanted to go to Finland, and what better place to visit with a family than Lapland?!
Back in early 2017 I tried to save up for a trip to Lapland at Christmas for Jodie and I, and I can tell you now... Winging it just did not work. I had to get a passport for the both of us to start with. Dealing with my own was ok, but trying to get Jodie's first passport turned out to be a nightmare, and by June-ish I had only saved £200 for the trip... I knew then and there I wasn't going to be able to save for my dream trip. So I made it my mission to do it in 2018... And this time, I did it!
As soon as Christmas 2017 was over, I was all about getting that passport, which I got! And in February I booked our day trip to Lapland. I was given 6 months to pay off the remainder of the total due. You bet your Unicorns I paid it off with a month to spare!
But I only managed to do so through being frugal with my money. Planning each meal every week, and making (another) list of what to buy and stuck to it. Hell I didn't even buy myself new clothes at all!
Whatever spare money I had after the bills had been paid, went straight on the holiday.
It was hard, I'm not going to lie, but in a months time I will be visiting Santa and his elves in snowy Lapland with Jodie and I honestly cant wait!
Step 3- Persevere and don't give up
I can't stress this step enough.
No matter how hard times might feel, do not give up or let your goals slip away from you.
Something I've heard a lot lately is a saying along the lines of; When things get difficult, that's when the best things happen.
Don't let the words of others bring you down or deter you from doing whatever it is you want to do. Stay in your lane and keep your eyes on the prize!
Even if you do fall off the goal wagon for a bit (like I have done in the past) you can always get back on!
Just don't give up. Your future self will thank you.
Step 4- Tick it off your list!
Whether its a simple afternoon to-do list, or a big step in a bigger dream. There's something satisfying about ticking off and looking back at everything you have achieved so far!
Its that time to be proud of all the wins, no matter how big or small. If you just managed to make your bed or made it through a presentation and everything in between, they're all wins.
I hope this was helpful to you and that you can take something from this post to help you achieve your goals in the future! If you have any questions at all or would like help in breaking down your goal into bitesize pieces, please get in touch! I'd love nothing more than to see you achieve your dream!
Keep smiling and stay beautiful!
Cx.