The first quarter is done. The results are in, and we’re looking to the second quarter. In three short months, we will be halfway through the year. Time is truly flying by, and we don’t want reaching our personal and professional goals to fly by, too.
Kicking off goal setting for 2017 was a little delayed this year for many of my clients while everyone made a year-end push to bring 2016 results in. Then, there was a collective sigh and a needed break before getting to the business of imagining 2017. But now that our 2017 goals are set, we need to stay focused and inspired to reach them.
So, here are a few helpful tips if you happen to find yourself and your goals in the second quarter doldrums:
- Take a day or even a half day self-retreat. Gather your goals in hand, go someplace you find inspiring and affirming, and review them. Reflect honestly on your progress. Are you on track? Do your goals still make sense? I believe goals are not actually set in stone. You are in charge of your life – and sometimes work – so make adjustments as it makes sense.
- Reflect on how you are celebrating your own accomplishments. This often overlooked aspect of goal-setting is vital to keeping your motivation and energy moving forward. What can you do to reward yourself for what you accomplish?
- Make sure you have fun plans in your future. Take out your calendar and schedule personal time – vacations, family time, massages, acupuncture, that sort of thing.
- Set up a peer coaching arrangement with a teammate to review milestones and provide emotional support and cheerleading.
- Have a plan for getting back on track when you wake up to find yourself off track. For instance, if you know that having your day planned in advance helps you – plan your next day. Don’t make this complicated.
- Give yourself a break when you need it. Go for a walk. Go to the beach. Go have lunch with that friend who always makes you cheerful.
- Remember, goals aren’t achieved in a straight line. There will be ups and downs. The trick is to redirect yourself back to the course when needed.
As I close I realize that I’m writing this for me too. Let’s stay the course together and make 2017 a fulfilling journey.
By Mary Anne Wampler,
PRINCIPAL, TRANSFORM, INC.
