“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes.” Andrew Carnegie

Have you ever thought about what it means to set a goal? Sure, on the surface it means you want to accomplish something that will make you happy, more successful or in a better position. If you dig deeper you will see that goal setting is about creating a different version of yourself and up-leveling your life. At its core, goal setting and goal attainment are acts of transformation. With your health and wellness goals, if you transform your health, you transform your life. It’s big stuff. It’s hard stuff too. And, it’s totally doable if you’re equipped with the right tools, support and accountability to keep you on track.

The month of December is a great time to review how you feel, look and show up each day. It’s also a great time to take inventory of the previous 11-12 months. To take stock of where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow, next month, in a year.

What are goals with soul, anyway?

And, how do they differ from just regular goals?

Goals with soul are rooted in how you want to feel internally. They are not about external validation from others or meeting societal standards. They’re solely about you. Yes, you may get external validation for losing 25 pounds, or having glowing skin, or a new career that totally lights you up, but it’s not the why behind the goal. The why is you love how you feel in your clothes without the extra 25 pounds. The why is you love the radiance you see in your reflection as it reflects how healthy and well you feel on the inside. The why is you’re passion and purpose are now aligned with how you earn a living and it makes you feel amazing and inspired to work each day.

Setting goals with soul roots you in YOUR why.

To make your soulful goals your reality, consider the following (4) steps:

~understanding the process of successful goal setting and attainment

~setting your goals with soul

~taking action towards your goals

~celebrating your win(s)

Let’s dive deeper.

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Step One: Understand the Process

There are certain elements to think about when you set goals. Reflect on the following before you start the process of goal setting. Understanding the process will empower you when you start digging deep and identifying soulful goals.

1. Be rooted in your why and really feel how you want to feel once you attain your goal.
2. Write your goals down and review them daily. Journal about your progress and reflect on what’s working and what’s not.
3. Make your goals as specific as possible and in bite-size action steps. Small goals that lead to a bigger goal are more manageable.
4. Set goals that are realistic with your time, resources and lifestyle.
5. Give yourself a reasonable time-frame for goal accomplishment.
6. Hold yourself accountable or use a coach to act as an accountability partner.
7. Ask for help if you need it. Resistance is a normal part of goal attainment. If you start feeling stuck, reach out for support.
8. Do daily check-ins with yourself to see how you’re progressing.
9. Be patient. If you slip up, be gentle with yourself and get back on track tomorrow.
10. Celebrate your wins!

Step Two: Setting Your Goals With Soul

Sit in a comfortable position and bring awareness to your breath. Guide your breath to your belly by placing your left hand on your belly and your right hand on your heart. Breath in fully (filling your belly with air) for 4 counts, hold 4 counts, then breath out (fully releasing the air from your belly) for 4 counts, hold 4 counts. Repeat this breathing cycle 4-6 times while keeping awareness on your breath. Sit for a few more minutes and observe how your body feels from a place of acceptance and love. Slowly come back to the room.

Now, have a journal handy and reflect on the following questions.

~How do you feel in your body, in your thoughts and in your heart?

~Is your body in good health?

~How is your mindset; is it positive and growth-oriented or negative and critical?

~Is your heart nourished with loving, supportive relationships?

~Do you have a radiant, healthy glow?

~Are you happy with your level of fitness and weight?

~Are you confident in how your clothes fit and feel?

~Are you starting each day with energy and excitement?

~Do you manage your time well?

~Do you prioritize self-care practices?

~Does your career or your primary daily responsibilities fulfill you on most days?

~What in your life do you want to change?

~What do you “wish” were different? What small changes could you make?

Get curious about your responses and jot down micro-goals to get you started. And, remember small, consistent change each day is the key to transforming your health and your life.

If you have a big goal, break it down into smaller goals.

Step Three: Taking Action

Now that you have an understanding of the process, and have set clear goals for yourself, I recommend you break the goals down by month. It can feel overwhelming to look at a list of goals for the year and not know where to start – which make it more likely you won’t start at all.
Assign a goal from your list to a month.
If it’s a big goal, break it down into 2 monthly goals. Give each month (January-December 2021) a theme that connects to the goal assigned to that month. Create an affirmation or mantra for the month that supports you each day. Plan to journal about your monthly goal. Schedule action items in your calendar to support you, and find local resources that you can draw upon if needed. Plan your month around the specific goal you want to attain.

Step Four: Celebrating Your Wins

The final step is to celebrate YOU, and all your hard work. Show yourself some BIG love for accomplishing a goal you set for yourself. For keeping a promise to yourself. Book a massage, a weekend getaway. Plan a spa day at home. Celebrate with the friends that you shared your goal with. Honoring yourself and the process keeps you moving forward into the next month and the next goal.
You’re worth the change you crave. You deserve to set goals with soul to transform your health and your life.
Celebrate your wins. You’ve got this!

Are you ready to dive deeper? Are you ready to start living a life rooted in health, wellness and happiness? My signature Reclaim Program is a 6-month custom, 1-on-1 coaching experience designed specifically for YOU where you will be guided, inspired and held accountable for the change you crave in your life. This holistic approach is intended to balance mind, body and soul for optimal health and wellness. Go for the change you crave. Reclaim it. You’re worth it! Click here to learn more.

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