Hello! I hope you are all good?

It’s been a while since I posted- my apologies…! But I am back with a bang (or a gentle pop if that feels easier to deal with!) to chat goal setting.

Now I thought long and hard about whether I wanted to write  about goal setting in September as I know that for some of you- this might make you want to take a panicky, deep breath and run in the other direction. The loooooong summer holidays can leave us those of us with kids feeling utterly drained; weeks and weeks of juggling and dealing with all the demands of their needs as well as work, running a house etc etc. – the last thing you then feel like doing once you have them back at school is try to find the headspace (and strength) to start goal setting for Qu 4!

However,  if you can bare with me and carry on reading I will explain why its a good time to goal-set and how you can get in the mindset of doing it.

1. Fresh start: September often marks the beginning of a new season, the end of summer, and the start of a new academic year or work cycle for many people. It provides a natural transition point and a sense of renewal. Setting goals during this time allows you to take advantage of this fresh start and harness the momentum to make positive changes in your life.

2. Time for reflection: As summer comes to an end, it can be a time for reflection and introspection. You can assess your progress over the past months and consider what you would like to accomplish in the remaining months of the year. Setting goals in September allows you to pause, evaluate, and recalibrate your direction, ensuring that you stay focused and motivated for the rest of the year.

3. Get ahead: in planning holidays, short breaks and more complex activities that take time – so that 2024 is filled with things that bring you joy.

Remember that goal setting is not limited to a specific month or time of the year. You can set goals at any point when you feel ready to embark on a new journey or make improvements in your life. The key is to ensure that your goals are meaningful, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART goals), regardless of the time you choose to set them.

So- if you have the motivation to do some goal setting…but the thought of actually DOING it feels very hard- here are my tips for getting in the right headspace to make a start:

1. Set Aside Dedicated Time: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can sit down and focus on your goals without interruptions. This could be a specific room, a coffee shop, a park, or even your own garden. Make an appointment with yourself to do this  – schedule it into your diary!

2. Prioritize Self-Care: Ensure you are taking care of your physical and mental well-being. Proper sleep, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing can help clear your mind and reduce stress, making it easier to set goals. I have recently started using Headspace for short mediations and its very good…I would recommend.  Remember that life will ALWAYS be hard- its up to us to ensure that we are strong enough to cope with it- mentally and physically.

3. Disconnect from Distractions: Turn off or silence your phone, close unnecessary browser tabs, and let others know that you need some uninterrupted time. Minimize distractions to help you focus.

4. Journaling: If you like writing things down to express yourself- spend some time journaling your thoughts and feelings. This can help you gain clarity about what you want to achieve. Write down your current state, your desires, and what you feel might be holding you back.

5. Reflect on Your Values: I talked about the importance of this in my last blog …Think about your core values and what truly matters to you. Aligning your goals with your values can make them more meaningful and motivating.

6. Visualize Your Ideal Future: Close your eyes and imagine your life if you were to achieve your goals. What does it look like? How does it feel? Visualization can be a powerful motivator.

7. Break Goals into Smaller Steps: Sometimes, setting big goals can be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes them less intimidating and easier to work towards.

8. Seek Inspiration: Read books, listen to podcasts, or watch videos about goal-setting and personal development. Hearing about others’ experiences and success stories can inspire you to set your own goals.

9. Accountability: Share your goals with a trusted friend, family member, or a mentor who can provide support and hold you accountable.

10. Use Goal-Setting Tools: Consider using goal-setting tools and techniques such as SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to make your goals more concrete and actionable.

11. Review and Adjust: Periodically review your goals and adjust them as needed. Life circumstances and priorities can change, and it’s important to adapt your goals accordingly.

12. Stay Positive: Cultivate a positive mindset. Focus on what you can control and the progress you’ve made rather than dwelling on setbacks.

13. Stay Persistent: Goal-setting and achieving can be a long and sometimes challenging process. Stay persistent, even when you face obstacles.

Remember that setting goals is a personal and ongoing process. It’s okay to reassess and modify your goals as your life evolves. The key is to create a habit of regular goal-setting and stay committed to your personal growth and development.

If this has struck a chord with you and would like to talk to me to find out more and discuss what you are currently struggling with, then I offer free 15 minute sessions to chat it through. Here is a link to book your slot.

Or you feel you or the company you work for would like more information about the services I offer;  whether its for personality profiling, coaching, training or team support- do get in touch.