Stay on track with your goals (with free weekly planner)

So, what goals do you have at the moment? I think we all woke up yesterday realizing it’s October and that we are now in the last quarter of 2017! Maybe you’re like me and you’re trying to get fitter, or maybe your goals are work or study related like getting a great grade for a class, or starting your own business. Perhaps you’re like me and you’re tackling several big goals all at once! I want to provide you with some key tips regarding staying on track with your goals, and have included a free weekly planner.

Sometimes it’s easy to feel motivated when we begin that new goal- that new diet on a Monday or your amazing new years resolution in January. Sadly we all know our enthusiasm dips fairly soon afterwards and our goals become less and less of a priority.

I want to encourage you today to keep focused! This year I joined the gym and really started off well. After about six months I started going less and less, and trust me I had legitimate reasons not to go – work was really busy, I had several after work commitments and I was trying to get my blog started. After a while I sat down, assessed my priorities and asked myself what was really important to me. When something is really important to you – you’ll make a way. Keep focussed and give yourself the final push towards the end of the year. When you’re relaxing enjoying your Christmas holidays, you’ll be glad you gave the final push and reached your goals – whatever they may be!

Here’s how you can stay on track with your goals, whatever they are:

Step #1: Write it down

If you haven’t written out your goals, then you’re missing the most important part of effective goal setting! When you don’t write your goals, they stay good ideas or dream and are less real. Writing out your goals is also the first step in the SMART goal method.  This is more active goal setting (Which is the opposite of passive goal setting which most people end up doing) and is a much more effective way to stay focused.

Step #2: Build Good Habits

Much of what we do in life is a habit. You don’t need constant reminders to wash your hair or pack your things for work each day- it’s just part of your days. When your goals become part of your day, it’s easier to take it them. I realised I had to change my mindset that gym was an “add-on” to my day – so I viewed my day as ending at 6pm (after gym) instead of 5pm (When I leave work) that way it became less negotiable if I went to gym or not

Step #3 Break it down by using a weekly planner

Break down your intermediate and long-range goals into increments – utilising a good weekly planner  (You can download mine here Topknotch Weekly Planner) is a good way to stay on track. It’s really hard to think of losing 10kg’s – but setting a goal to cut out junk food, go to gym three times per week with the aim of losing maybe 500grams per week? That’s more bearable!

Step #4: Set a date

I think one of the best ways to reach a goal is to put it in your calendar. By putting it into your calendar, you put a stake in the ground and impose a date on yourself and are more likely to stick to your small milestones that you’ve set along the way.

Maybe you’re planning to start running and have a goal of running a 10k. While that’s an achieveable goal, unless you know which race you’re actually going to do or when your goal could quickly dwindle into a dream or wish. So before you head out to buy those stylish new Nike takkies I recommend you sign up for an actual race. Setting a date for yourself gives you something to work towards – especially if you pay a registration fee!

Step #5: Tell people.

I know what it’s like to tell others about goals you may have – it can feel vulnerable and feel like maybe they will think you’re ridiculous for thinking you could achieve it. But chances are excellent they’re actually going to encourage and support you – and help keep you accountable!

Okay lovelies, if you feel brave enough – share some of your goals in the comments and let’s keep each other accountable!

xxx

Rachael

Weekly Planner Printable

P.s. Incase you didn’t see the free downloadable in the post, you can download it here: Topknotch Weekly Planner