As the New Year begins, it is not unusual to charge out of the gates toward big new goals. I know because I do it every year. That is, until this year.
Here’s the truth – I did nothing on January 1, 2014. As a coach it is embarrassing to admit this. I’m the one who gets paid to help others achieve massive success. Yuck! This all feels horrible.
Typically my goal for January 1 each year is to take down all of the Christmas decorations, connect with my family by phone, then compose a list of priorities and goals. I did none of that! Instead I spent the day on the couch with a tissue box, multiple cups of tea and a blanket. It was flu and as much as I tried to get moving, my body demanded rest. Rest became the priority. I slid in and out of consciousness as I watched Twilight Zone reruns on the Sci-Fi Channel all day.
Awakening today, a few symptoms linger, but the resting worked and I feel ready to get back on track, albeit slowly. I have given myself permission to make a slow start and realize slow is often the perfect way to reach big goals.
Are you one of millions starting a diet this week? Many will use radical means to lose those pounds quickly. Having been a lifetime Weight Watcher for 22+ years, I know that doesn’t work in the long run. I’ve got 6 pounds between my goal weight and me right now, and realize that the best way to get there is to take it slow. If I allow myself to lose ½ pound a week, I will be a lot happier and healthier than if I starve myself. My productivity level will stay high and there’s a good chance I’ll lose more than ½ pound a week.
Patience and pacing is key to just about any goal you set for yourself. It’s about energy and in order to have abundant energy to reach those important goals, you need to conserve it, build it and spend it efficiently. If you start too quickly, you might just burn out before the goal is met! Ask anyone who runs races about the risk of starting too fast and they will back me up on this.
Consider these 3 recommendations for starting slow:
Take time setting priorities: Goals are only as good as the WHY. Your goals need to be important to you and something you value. The more mindful you are as you set goals, the better your chances of achieving them
Be Realistic: It is unlikely that you’ll accomplish everything in a short time frame. Setting goals for a longer time span and spaced to allow a balanced flow of accomplishments can be very wise. Last week a client told me that she set a goal to exercise 30 minutes a day, 7 days a week. Knowing that the client had not been exercising much, I suggested starting with a goal of an average of 20 minutes, 5 days a week for January. That gives her room to succeed as well as exceed the goal. The client’s wide smile at this suggestion showed me that this plan was much more realistic. I bet she’ll make her goal.
Be flexible and forgiving: Plans change and you may find yourself facing unexpected challenges, interruptions or even the flu. Forgive yourself for setbacks and a slow start. Keep those priorities and the WHY behind goals at the forefront. You’ll soon be back on track.
I’m grateful to finally feel well enough to write and check email. Maybe I’ll go to my Weight Watcher meeting today? What about all of these Christmas decorations that need to come down? I’ll start slowly and feel good knowing at least today will be more productive than yesterday was.
Maybe you find goal setting to be a challenge? If you would like a copy of my 90-day goal-setting spreadsheet, send an email to Betsy@theIndigoConnection.com and I will happily send it to you. It’s an excellent idea to share your goals with supportive friends too. If you need an advocate to help you set goals and stay on track, I’m here for you. Contact me for a phone consultation or consider attending my presentation at The Indigo Connection breakfast on January 8, or just stay in touch via Facebook at www.facebook.com/betsy.muller. Start slowly and you will be a winner!
