#Goals

I absolutely love this quote. I've been saying this to people for years, which is probably why I don't have many friends... But seriously, people always tell me how they want to be this or that and I just ask a simple question, "what steps are you taking to get there?" Then I get the blank face. I'm included in this category because I do the same thing. 

Now that I'm a teacher, I understand the importance of goal setting. I encourage my students to do it because lets them see where they are currently in my class, where they need to be, and how much they need to  work to get there. If 10 year olds can set goals, all of us can! There are a few steps to follow when goal setting to ensure maximum success.

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1. Look at your current situation.

Just ask yourself, "What do I want to do/change?" and go from there. 

2. Make a plan.

The next questions is "What will I do to get there?" Maybe you need to go back to school or start a website to achieve your goals. Im my case, I want to be healthier so I make plans to exercise regularly and eat better.

3. Track everything.

It's very easy to keep track of your progress, but what about those setbacks? I'm telling you to keep track of everything that happens in your journey so that you'll know what is causing your success or lack there of. Maybe when you study for a certain number of hours, your grades improve; or you gain weight when you're stressed. It is important to pinpoint trends and patterns so you'll learn what works best for you.

This year I will be tracking my weight and body measurements. I also included monthly weight goals to keep me focused.

4. Celebrate!

I used to be extremely hard on myself with my weight. I would think, "So what if I lost a few pounds? I'm still fat :-(" This year, I promise to celebrate the small wins. It is important to acknowledge all of the hard work you're doing while reaching your goals. Made an A on your exam? Go out for drinks later! You finally fit into that dress from two years ago? Go out for drinks! You saved more money this month... go out for drinks! Don't be afraid to treat yourself sometimes. You deserve it!

5. Keep going.

Last, but not least, keep going. Never stop improving because you can always be better. Even after you reach your original goals, repeat the process and set some more! 

What goals do you plan on reaching this year? I would love to hear from you!