Certain milestones in life are memorable. Finishing school is one of them and whether you are off to college or out working on your own, a certain amount of celebration is deserved. Just think about it, a time where there will be no one to tell you to get up and go to class or work, no one to remind you to eat the right foods or to get enough sleep. There may not be curfews or imposed study/work habits on a regular basis. If you want clean clothes, you will need to learn how to do laundry and clean your room. That means sometime shopping for things you need and organizing a system to pay your bills will need to be established if you don’t want to spend more than you have and end up with “extra” fees because you didn’t balance your checkbook. When you look at the big picture, there’s a lot of responsibility that comes with achievement.
You are now accountable for the actions to be successful in reaching your goals. Your support system may not be as close by as they once were, so now it is your planning and skills that will be put to the test. How will you define success? What methods will you take to get to where you want to go?
Life is a journey
Life is a journey…..we’ve all heard the quote and it’s true that we need to enjoy the time we spend, it’s a fabulous trip with all sorts of possibilities and challenges along the way. Each of us are responsible for the choices we make and how we accomplish the things we want. Whether you are a new graduate or looking at a change in a mid life career, goal setting is one way to secure the things you want Start with what is really important to you, what do you really want to achieve in life and make a list. Now, think about what you can feasiblely achieve in one year or even in six months. What kinds of efforts are you going to have to put forth? How much will it cost? How much time will it take? Consider all of these carefully as you make your plan. Put a date with your goal so that you will have some guidance as to when you think you can make it.
It’s only a guide, it can be changed if things arise that you didn’t plan on, but it gives you someplace to start. Write your goals down so you can see them and focus on them daily. If it’s money you want to save, then put a reminder card in your check book or around your debit card. Or if it’s time for yourself, put a note on the kitchen window or bathroom mirror to prioritize the day. Habits are hard to break and it takes effort to make new ones. Goal setting is one way to make getting where you want to go in life a little easier and it begins with every choice you make, every day.
