Vision Boards & Goal Setting
On December 31st as the clock soon strikes twelve, I held on to my little sister’s small ice cold hands as we count down with our eyes fix on the crystal ball on top of the times tower building. “HAPPY NEW YEAR” the crowd shouts! The lights shining brighter than ever, the cameras capturing this joyous moment that will impact the remaining of the 365 days. As I wrapped my arms around her, I couldn’t help but think of what 2019 had in store for our family.
GOSH- I can’t believe It’s 2019! Like clockwork, every december 20th for the past six years, I’d put up my vision board for the next year. I would take down the things i’ve accomplished from the previous year, store them in a box. Whatever is left on the board is moved on to the next year on the “priority” quadrant. Call me crazy but it seems to be working. There is something about setting goals that always puts things in perspective for me. Many say that I tend to govern my life on a “To do List”; I concur!
Everyone has a method that works for them. Some people create New year resolutions, some just go with the flow and some, like myself create vision boards that reflects our goals. When I first started setting goals, I admit I was all over the place and so was my life. As I got older and more experienced, I’ve learned a few things that I’d love to share with you.
Goals are set in time
Long term goals - These are set for 3, 5, 10, 15 years or for the rest of your life. What do you wanna be, see, have- what inspires your heart and soul? You have to live for something. You owe it to yourself.
Short term-goals- These are goals for today, tomorrow, this month. Set something and go for it. Have a daily “to do list”
2. Types of Goals
Economic- Goals for money, income, profit, production, savings- for today, this month or the long term. If you need to speak to a financial advisor do so. I highly recommend doing so.
Things- Small or BIG. Make sure to put things that are meaningful. Whether it’s making a payment on time towards your credit card or purchasing a car these things can be both material or physical.
Personal Development- Who are you? Who are you becoming? List all the things that will make you a better you. Whether it’s being on time, having a strong handshake, learning how to swim, speak a new language, leaving a toxic relationship- WRITE IT DOWN!
3. Secrets to Goal Setting
Work hard on your goals( it will not be easy but dedicate yourself)
Create proper plans( ie “To do list”)- “the people who fail to plan are planning to fail” Benjamin Franklin
WRITE YOUR GOALS DOWN ( keep something tangible) something to help you track your accomplishments. Visit your goals from 3 weeks ago, 3 months ago, 5 years ago.
Check the size of your goals and kind of goals. Be realistic. You know yourself better than anyone. Don’t compare your goals with other people’s.
Personally, I don’t think there’s a specific time to set goals. Who said it had to be December 31st or January 1st? Please, I beg you not to confuse setting goals with New Year’s resolution. It works for some people. It just never worked for me. New Year’s resolution are ideas shared over dinner on new year’s eve. Goals are meant to be realistic and achievable.