We tend to feel like we are lagging because we have looked at everyone else and they seem to be smashing their goals for the year. However, you will be surprised that someone else is looking at you and feels like they are behind in life as well. So, now that the second quarter is here, and you probably want to re-align your goals, let’s start with focusing on our lane and no one else’s. When you are not comparing your goals with others you may find that you’re not as far behind as you thought you were. Moving at your own pace is the most important thing. Here are five ways you can still catch up on your goals.
Mentally walk yourself through the first quarter
Reflect on the goals you set and try to pinpoint areas where you missed the mark. Sometimes things happen that are beyond your control and this is understandable. Focus on the things you can control and maybe things you may have done that slowed down the process. For e.g. procrastination, letting yourself be constantly distracted, not being disciplined enough, etc. There are several things and if you’re honest with yourself as you reflect you will be able to pick out these things.
Take Responsibility
As you reflect on things that may have slowed you down, the best thing you can do for yourself is to take responsibility. If these things are within your control, then don’t make excuses. Acknowledge them as the character flaws or struggles that they are, that must be dealt with. They say acceptance is the first step to recovery. Making excuses or trying to explain them away or blaming everyone for things that you have control over will not help the situation. If you’re lazy, acknowledge and accept and work on how to get better. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad person, it just means you have some character traits to work on, same as everyone else. No one was born perfect.
Be realistic
We talk about SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound) goals all the time. The R stands for realistic and this is a very important approach in goal setting. Sometimes we over-estimate and it may not necessarily be because we can’t achieve but it’s possible that we haven’t fully taken into consideration all the external factors we have to deal with on a daily basis. For e.g. You may have set a goal to write half a book by the first quarter but you have toddlers who regularly need your attention. Is this achievable? Yes. Is it possible that having young kids in the house may deter you? Yes. In this case, you would have to give yourself a realistic time frame to finish half of the book.
Be intentional
Be intentional about making changes and putting things in place to help you get better with reaching your goals. It could be as big as going for a time management course or just setting loud annoying reminders on your phone. But above all, it starts in the mind, you must make the decision to be intentional and do what you need to do, to get where you need to be.
Adjust where necessary
Time to make your adjustments, bearing in mind your external factors and also by being realistic. Give yourself extra time where required, maybe add a couple more goals, if you can accommodate them. Avoid overestimating ‘by faith’. There’s a difference between pushing yourself and being unrealistic. Remember, don’t look at anyone else’s life. You can for inspiration but be your own motivation, move at your own pace, be the best version of you and work on your shortcomings. And hopefully, this second quarter will be much better than the first.
So ladies, let’s go break some ceilings!