At the start of most years many of us think about setting goals. GOALS are important to the success of our lives whether they be:
- Personal
- Professional
- Social
- Spiritual
- Physical
This past year, 2020, has been a struggle or challenge for many of us due to the pandemic. If nothing else this past year has taught us how precious life is. As Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO of AARP stated, “The new year needs to be a time for vigorous and positive action. And I’m optimistic that by working together, we can not only emerge from the pandemic a stronger more compassionate nation, but we can also empower more people to choose how they live as they age.” You can choose how you want to live your life going forward. Time is a precious commodity one that we cannot get back once it is gone.
Now with a COVID vaccine becoming available we can begin to dream again about what we want and where we want to go. We have had plenty of time to reflect on our lives and think about what is most important to us. Now is the time to think about how we will spread our wings and fly into the future.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when setting your goals for the future. Try not to have more than three major goals for the year. Keep in mind timetables and limitations due to the pandemic. Perhaps you want to add getting a vaccine to your list this year. Think about some goals as it relates to your health, physical fitness and well-being. Keeping ourselves healthy should be a top priority for all of us. Exercise not only benefits our bodies but also our brains.
Are there any new positive habits you would like to create in 2021? When setting new goals remember the S.M.A.R.T acronym to make them specific, measureable, attainable, relevant and have a time frame for accomplishment. Consider whether you are motivated enough to achieve them, if it is important to you and you struggle perhaps you need an accountability partner.
Many retirees had planned on traveling abroad but due to the pandemic are not able to do so. Consider domestic trips, our country has plenty of undiscovered treasures for you to see. What other activities can you consider to expand your mind, creativity and perhaps benefit the world? What new things are you curious to learn about? What activities would you like to try?
Many people have made their homes their sanctuary, have taken on home improvement projects or established their own gardens. Perhaps there is a project you would like to take on. Consider your indoor and outdoor environment, try to incorporate spending time in nature.
Consider reconnecting with family and friends if you have been separated due to the pandemic. Make a plan on how you will accomplish this. Keep in mind social activity on a weekly basis increases longevity, and is important to your mental health. Be sure to continue to stay safe and follow pandemic protocols. It will be some time, unfortunately before we can resume our lives as normal.
Whether we achieve our goals depends on whether we take action on them. Consider these questions when choosing your top three goals.
Write down each of your goals and then write down your answers for each. The information you gather by answering these questions will make you feel more clear, focused and motivated to achieve your goals.
- Why do you want this goal? What does it give you?
- Why do you want that and what does it give you? (answer this question 3 more times)
- What will this goal help you feel?
Be sure to schedule time daily, weekly, and monthly to work on achieving your goals.
”With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” Eleanor Roosevelt.
Make 2021 your most successful year yet!
