Goal Setting: Strategies That Actually Work

“Start by doing what’s necessary, then what’s possible, and suddenly you will be doing the impossible.”

St. Francis of Assisi

When it comes to goals, you might be in one of two camps:

1. Set goals, attempt to work toward them, get discouraged, and quit. Rinse and repeat.
2. Freaking out about setting them to begin with – no idea where to begin.

Goal setting and working toward that goal is an achievement that few know how to use because of lack of validating training from authority figures and caregivers. Sometimes our limitations are attention deficit, aversion to “efforting” and failing, (understandable), and avoidance of any kind of structure that feels unpleasant (also understandable). I have found that the best way to start is to be fully present with yourself. And then to get to the deeper “why” of your goals.

The following prompts will help you take that first step toward really seeing what you want to work toward. I would be happy to help you through this process and to find the motivation that will help you stop procrastinating and start living!

1. It’s important to visualize how you want to feel and what you want your life to look like: Write a detailed visualization that includes all your senses of a future time when you have achieved what your heart desires.
2. Once you have that picture in mind, write about why you want that. How did the seed get planted for this vision?
3. And if you have that initial “why,” write about what has kept you from moving toward this vision. Be honest about your limitations, situations, and inner turmoil that may have gotten you stuck. Pay attention to the excuses vs. the reasons.

If anxiety is in the way – fear of failure, of being vulnerable, etc…Or depression, lack of motivation, lethargy, etc…And you feel you need more than just a journal prompt, call me and set up a free consultation. We’ll see if we’re a good fit and begin the journey of healing for you.