The first step to creating change is knowing what you want. Knowing exactly what you want. This is key…knowing exactly what you want. We get tied up in knowing what we don’t want, but that isn’t going to help create the change we seek.

It’s like this. If you decide to take a trip but haven’t picked a destination, then you’re wandering aimlessly. Without direction. And while you’ll end up somewhere, it may not be where you want to be!

The same applies to your life, your goals, your lifestyle…. your everything.

Without knowing what you’re working towards, moving towards, you’re going through life aimlessly. And that’s very likely resulting in an unfulfilling life. In your career, your relationships, your home, your social life, in you.

So, the first step – know what you want. Read here for more on how to do that.

Now that you know what you want, it’s time to Plan. How are you going to make it happen?

Look at where you are now. Then look at your goal, where you want to be.

Example: Be in better shape, have more energy, lose 20lbs.

Write down the following questions, and then answer each one. I’ve used the example above to give you guidance.

What’s in the way? Finding the motivation and time.

What needs to change? My daily routine so I can make time.

Whose help do you need? My family, so that I can have the time, and maybe a workout buddy.

Is anyone else affected by this change? My family.

If so, who and how? My spouse and my kids. I would have more energy to do things with them, and I also need their help so that I can make time for this. I might even need their help with accountability.

What would you have to do?  Walk for 40 minutes every evening, alternate yoga and weight training every morning, plan meals for each week that are healthier.

When could you do it? The yoga and weights can be done first thing in the morning, I’d get up a half hour earlier. The walking can be done after dinner with my spouse and my kids, we could make it a family thing. Or some evenings I can do this with my friend.

What obstacles would you face? Not wanting to get up! Or being really tired after work and not wanting to go out, especially if it’s cold or raining. Or if I’m sick.

What will help you push through these obstacles? Maybe a reward of some type for the morning stuff, and going to bed earlier. My spouse getting up with me would help, and us doing this together some mornings. Having someone to walk with me in the evenings would give me a reason to go, so always having someone, either my family or my friend, lined up to go. If I’m sick, I could do a modified routine, just to stay on track.

What’s the timeline to reach your goal? 6 months from today!

How would you handle any setbacks? I know I’ll get derailed at Christmas, so I’ll give myself permission to enjoy the Holidays, being mindful of what I eat and making up for small indulgences with extra activities. I won’t beat myself up, I’ll get back on track and keep going. If I really, really can’t make an evening walk, then I MUST make up for it with some indoor cardio.

How will you feel when you reach your goal? Better! Healthier! Stronger! And by reaching this goal, I’ll feel better equipped to set more goals, having gone through and accomplishing this one.

My example answers are a little vague in areas, make your answers detailed and complete.

 

What do you think? If you lay it out like this, how do you think you’ll do?

You’ve set an actual goal and stated why it’s important to you.

You’ve defined the steps needed, and when you’re going to do them.

You’ve identified potential obstacles and came up with solutions in advance. (You’ve got this!)

You have a crystal-clear outcome in mind, you can already feel it.

Give this a try. A real honest try. Put the steps in your calendar, book your accountability partners if you’re using them, line up all the resources you need – DO the things you need to do to make this work.

Let me know how it goes.

I can’t wait to hear!!