Set Your Goals Right and How to Keep Track

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Have you ever felt like you’ve come this far in life thinking that maybe you’ve been pushing on the rope too hard not seeing the outcome you have always wanted? Or feeling down because you have once set a dream that still seem to be unreachable as of now? Well, you are not alone.

Most of the time, we do not say it. We do not share it. But clearly, we have felt it one way or another. I too had my fair share of goals and dreams that were planned with much enthusiasm, but felt short to achieve along the way. It is draining when you’ve been trying hard to achieve something, but not really seeing the results. And in those moments, we can’t help but internalize and reflect.

Yesterday, I was given a chance to reflect. It was timely, for it was the first week of Advent. It’s one of the solemn times when I am able to reach out and ask for guidance and deliverance. During the Holy Mass, the priest reminded us about hope – to live as we wait for the coming of Christ; to believe that in those moments of grief and worry, you’ve been already blessed; and to hope without a second of thinking that you will be delivered fruitfully at the right pace and time.

Here is a list I’ve mapped out on my mind during my reflection.

1. Set your goals in a SMART way

Be SMART, Be
Specific,
Measurable,
Attainable,
Realistic, and
Time-bound with your goals.

Yes, it is easier said than done, but nothing great comes without much effort and thinking. Similar to a conducted research, you have to have a plan of action. And a plan that is SMART is better compared to a plan that is over the top and unimaginable. It’s not to say that you should not dream big, rather be realistic. Have a realistic mindset of what you want to achieve, and do not be too hard on yourself.

2. Outline your way – have directions.

Just like how Waze or GoogleMaps can lead you to that destination, you have to map out your direction towards your goal. A plan without action is just a dream, but with active work comes the achievement of a goal. Fruits of labor come when we do something about it.

If you have something that you need to finish, list your work load on a piece of paper, set your time for each task, do the tasks, and tick them off once done. If something big is on its way, like a major project, set a time to prepare for it. Prepare it days before, have a list of the must-haves and the must-dos before the deadline, tick off each once done, etc. Think of the directions you have to take for you to finally be on your destination. You have to row your boat towards the finish line and AIM it!

3. Act now, worry not.

What happens when you have set a goal, planned your actions, but do not feel like doing it because of anxiety and worry? Nothing happens. Needless to say, I’m a worrywart at times. I over-think a lot, but not so many people are aware of it, or maybe I’m not aware that they are aware of it, haha.

But one thing I have learned from all the things I’ve gone through is this — DO NOT WORRY. WORRY IS USELESS. It is a statement I countlessly hear from the prayers with Padre Pio. Act now, worry not. Because it does not really add up to growth, but only holds you back.

On the 1st Week of Advent, we are reminded of the theme: HOPE – to live as we wait for the coming of Christ; to believe that in those moments of grief and worry, you’ve been already blessed; and to hope without a second of thinking that you will be delivered fruitfully at the right pace and time.

4. If things don’t work out, have a plan B

Just like how asthma is being assessed, we have to modify things as needed. If a patient is on low risk of asthma exacerbation, the doctor might have to just continue on with the regimen he or she is at. But if worse symptoms are being presented, the treatment will then have to be stepped up.
Likewise, if you have a goal in mind that you have planned and took action for, set some time for it to settle its pace. Review the response, assess the condition, and adjust as needed. Do not worry if things don’t go as planned on the first try. Do not be discouraged. Remember that things may happen for a reason, and that the situation may call for a re-routing because it is for the best. Stay calm, pray, do not worry, and HOPE.

You are never too old to set another goal, nor to dream a new dream.
Have hope.
Everything will be just fine.

If you think your friends would like this too, I'd love you to share it! Thanks!♥

9 thoughts on “Set Your Goals Right and How to Keep Track”

I really like the SMART goal method! I'll have to give it a try since I'm starting to write out my new goals for 2019 🙂

I ALWAYS use the SMART goal method when setting my goals!! LOVE it so much and it makes them so much easier to measure once they have been met. Definitely a good reminder as the New Year approaches!

I agree that you are never too old to dream. As long as you have dedication, consistency, and a plan you are all set! I had a plan B. But plan B was making it easy to quit on myself. So, plan B no longer exists. I got one plan and one goal and I'm getting it! But that's me and I'm a little crazy 😉

I tend to worry and take a long time to act. I need to do the opposite and get things done.

Ah yes, every year around this time SMART comes up!! I certainly hope it works for people this coming year! I don't really set goals – I have had goals in my mind for myself since day one! haha!

Very inspiring and timely post! I always fall into the "I don't have enough time to even brainstorm what my dreams and goals should be" black hole. But this is the time of year to make it a priority, new year new goal right!? i need to get on this!!