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You need to have a plan with concrete steps on how to achieve it. Not every micro-second has to be planned, but if you're intentional on how you spend your time and efforts, you'll be able to cross off your goals checklist. Here are five ways to do that in the new year and new decade:
1) Write your goals down.
This may seem cliché, but it's said for a reason, IT WORKS. Writing down your goals and sticking to a schedule can help you get your dreams and thoughts organized. Writing it down physically instead of typing on a computer is a better way to do it in that it is more tangible. Also, you spend more time putting a pen to paper than typing, which will give you more time to think about the goals you write down. It can be organized by date or areas of your life such as your professional life and personal life.
2) Have an accountability buddy.
This is a way to keep you in check. When you verbalize your goals to someone who you know will ask you about them, it'll motivate you to be on your p's and q's. Your buddy can be anyone you choose: a friend, your parents, a sibling. Make sure to chose someone who you know is encouraging and not judgemental because unfortunately, not everyone will build you up. Your buddy has to be someone who acknowledges your struggles but at the same time will root for your success.
3) Spend your time on something that is productive and/or positive.
You're not always going to be in work mode. That's just the reality. You're going to want a break, but when you do, make sure you're spending time on something positive that will bring you joy. For example, if you want to jump off the computer after a long day at work, find something to do that increases your self-care quotient. If you enjoy watching movies, pull up Netflix. If you like taking walks in the park, go for a stroll. If you're not getting work done, make sure you spend that time doing something you like to do. You'll feel more balanced and will be able to be more intentional while in work mode because you won't strictly be all work and no play.
4) Take a moment to remember why you do what you do.
The "why" drives everything we do. Why do you go to your job every day? Why do you go to class every day? Whether your motivation is to make money, fulfill your passions or get an education, you have to remind yourself of the "why" to keep pressing forward. You can do this with a vision board or refer back to that list of goals you wrote down. Reminding yourself of what motivates you in the first place will replenish the gas in your tank and keep you focused.
5) Reflect on what you've accomplished already.
This can also add fuel to your tank. You can write down your goals as well as your achievements. It's not bragging, you've earned it! Why not celebrate yourself and what you've achieved so far. It will be a refreshing reminder that you are awesome. Since you've already had success in one area, what's stopping you from achieving even more?
Being intentional is not always easy. The mental work that goes into it can take time, but you will reap the benefits. So go out and practice these tips, and let us know if they've helped you in the new year.