How to achieve your goals

Setting goals for ourselves can sometimes seem to add stress to our lives rather than relieve it.  However, there are lots of ways we can make achieving our goals easier in order to enjoy the results!

Here is a list of ways to help us achieve our goals:

1.  Get places early

Arrive at the office 30 minutes ahead of the crowd and you will be amazed at how much you can achieve in the peaceful environment. 

Try to arrive places 5 to 10 minutes ahead of schedule and use that time to rest, reflect on the day so far, and prepare yourself for what is to come.

2.  Journal

In private or on a blog (remember blogs are public so be careful what you share), writing down your experiences and thoughts each day can be an invaluable process, revealing what works for you and what doesn't.  Express yourself in the written form can help you to organize your thoughts, explore your feelings, reflect, and plan.

3.  Time out

Take some time out at the end of each day to write down a to do list for tommorow, and don't forget to cross off the list what you have achieved today and celebrate those achievements.

4.  Stop during your day

The best piece of advice I was ever given is to take a breath every time you walk through a doorway.  It is amazing how just take a second to stop and bring consciousness to your body can destress the mind, put things in perspective and help you refocus.

5.  Say it out loud

If you have specific goals in mind say them out loud!  It is a great way to raise accountability, and if your friends are asking you how you are getting on with your goal to run that 5K it might remind you to get your sneakers on and go for a run!

6.  Use apps and goal tracking tools

Type goal tracking tools into google and you will be amazed with what is out there.  Whether you want to track how much sugar you eat each day or set up a goal planning chart with timescales there is an app or online out there for you.  Alternatively use a paper calendar, block out time to work towards your goals and remember to include time to reflect on your progress and celebrate successes.

Good luck!

Dawn Antestenis currently works for Fresh Start Women's Foundation managing their websites and social media.  Dawn has a Masters in English Literature and qualifications in Multimedia Technology and Non-Profit Management with experience working for non-profits for over 10 years.