We’re in the midst of The Small Step Series – Examining small steps that we can all make that will propel us towards our goals. If you missed any posts… here’s a quick recap and links for you to read.
Week 1 – We talked about the Value of Consistency – continuing on task to reach your goal. There’s a great tool that you can print to create a chain of successes.
Week 2 – Its vital to realize how important you are! The Ripple Effect is my attempt to show you!
Week 3 – When we verbalize our dreams they become more real. Don’t be afraid to Speak Your Dream
Week 4 – How Important is Grit? – Grit is the secret sauce! Period. It takes grit to make it to any finish line that’s a challenge.
How often do you see this scenario? A project is in the works; it could be a school essay due, a work assignment, a room that needs to be painted….and as time passes you know that you SHOULD get to “it” whatever “it” is, and yet, you don’t.
Until just before the deadline.
That’s human nature.
We are prone to put things off. We are prone to perform a little bit better when someone else is watching – or when someone is expecting us to complete a task.
Momentum is crucial.
Once you have momentum you will continue on to achieve your goal.
You will push past:
- Doubts,
- Mundane
- Uncertainity
- Fear
- Questioning
A simple tool to create momentum is a DEADLINE.
Ever had one of those deadlines that were set in stone? You had no choice but to accomplish your undertaking. Even bills have deadlines and oh, don’t those late fees get us to respect those deadlines!
Deadlines help to create and maintain momentum as you move towards your goal.
When I finished high school, I wasn’t exactly excited about going to college. I was a good student, but quite honestly, I was over the whole school thing! Nonetheless, it’s what I knew I needed to do. And thankfully I had already dual enrolled quite a bit to get my college education going. There was no question in my mind that I would go to college and graduate. That was decided. And because I didn’t have a passion to pursue anything in particular, I decided in order to graduate – and do well – I needed a deadline. One day I sat down and picked my classes that would earn me that diploma.
Specifically, the goal was: How fast can I get out?! Setting a schedule, gave me a realistic timeframe. Yet, it pushed me tremendously.
A goal worth pursuing has to have some oomph in it! You have to strive to achieve it, or it’s not very motivating, and you’ll run out of steam.
Charting out my classes and semesters, I saw that if I took a full load (on top of working a full-time job and my fun weekend job) and took classes during the summer, I could graduate while I was 20. That goal excited me and it was settled!
A goal has to excite you to be worth pushing through the mundane.
There was no wiggle room in my goal. I had to pass every class, and not drop any, since my projected graduation date was 2 months before my 21st birthday.
Having a deadline that means something to us is powerful. What was it that was so meaningful about graduating at 20? I would be a bit younger than most people (kinda cool) but, most of all, I wanted to be free of school- DONE! A great birthday present to myself!! Woo Hoo!
Can you think of a deadline that might help to motivate you? A birthday, a holiday, an event where you might see someone in particular. All of those events could be motivating.
If you’re not sure where to begin I urge you to check out the The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months book. It’s a book/program that will help you set your goal, break it down and achieve it in 12 weeks. Often, an annual goal is too far out and setting a goal for a shorter period of time will bring more success. There are free planning guides you can easily find by searching online that are great accompaniments to the
The 12 Week Year book.
Deadlines are like finish lines in a race – once you cross them there is a great sense of accomplishment.
Otherwise you’re just hoping…..
So, take one more small step towards your goal and set a deadline!
I’d love to hear about it.
If you’d like to subscribe so you don’t miss The Small Steps series, fill out the form in the sidebar on the right. Have a great week!
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PLEASE visit other sites and spend a little time there too!! Have a blessed week my friends!
Marilyn Lesniak says
Thank you for hosting. I linked my Sweetheart Collection, Creamy Cheesy Enchiladas and a Gluten Free Ranch Dip for the big game. I hope you enjoy them! Have a happy week! #OverTheMoon #WWBlogHop #ThursdayFavoriteThings The article about Finding his voice with the conversation hearts is one I need to visit!
Tammy Kennington says
Hi Char,
Thanks for hosting a linkup. I’m looking forward to getting to know you and reading both your posts as well as those of “neighbors” who link up.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about goal-setting. They are especially applicable to me in this season of life.
Char says
Hi Tammy, It’s great to make new friends. Thanks for stopping by. I’m looking forward to reading through your blog too!
Cheryl says
With Lent right around the corner, my goal is dedicate 40 days of feasting in the Lord verses fasting. Throughout my life, I have given up a favorite food and returned back to it immediately, on Easter or shortly, thereafter. This year, I will feast through additional scripture readings; offer my talents from God back through service (I have signed up to assist with organizing the church directory); and I will provide charity to myself through self-care, in order to give better to others. This sounds like a tall order; however, they are minor changes in my daily schedule to provide clarity and focus as we approach Easter.
Char says
Wow! Once again you inspire me Cheryl. I love your goals!
Michele Morin says
Hi, Char! I zoomed through college, too, and was so glad to be done. I still utilize some of the systems I put in place mentally when I was setting that goal way back then.
Char says
That’s the thing about accomplishing goals – it gives you tools and confidence to pursue new ones. Congrats on that degree Michele!!
Gayl says
This post is so encouraging! i have a goal I’ve been thinking about for more than a year, but there is no deadline so I just keep thinking and not really acting on it. Setting a deadline might be just the boost I need. Thanks for your insights!
Blessings to you, Char!
Char says
YAY!! That’s exactly what I hoped for! I can’t wait to hear about your progress and deadline Gayl.
Patrick Weseman says
So very true. I set a goal back in September of finding new employment by June 2018 (Not healthy to work at my current job) and I secured a new position that will begin in June 2018. I had been talking about it forever but then I finally decided to stop the talk and don the tights and get into the ring and good things happened. Thanks for hosting and I hope you have a wonderful week.
Char says
Congratulations on your new position Patrick!! That’s awesome that you set a deadline and it motivated you AND you achieved your goal. I wish you the best in your new job in June.
Rachel Lee says
I’m loving this new series Char! I’m terrible at deadlines. I see the importance in them, but they always leave me discouraged, because I rarely follow through…
Maybe I should try making smaller, more doable deadlines.
Another great post!
Char says
That’s a perfect plan Rachel – smaller, more doable deadlines will help you build your confidence rather than make you feel like a failure when you can’t reach the biggie! We all need encouragement and discouragement is a game stopper.
Lisa notes says
Using deadlines definitely gets me going. Otherwise, things can just hang out there and go on and on forever. Thanks for sharing these small (but important!) steps with us, Char.
Cheryl Blinston says
Okay, I want to read that book. I just ordered it from the library. I love goals, but sometimes I get overwhelmed, scared or tired before reaching the end. Thanks for the motivation and suggestion for the book.
Char says
I’m excited for you Cheryl. PLEASE let me know how it goes and how you like the 12 week program.
Maree Dee says
Loving this series! You are igniting a fire in me. I agree deadlines are a must. I need to set a few. I work so well when I have a finish line in front of me. If it a huge goal I break it down into attainable steps with deadlines. The book you recommended sounds excellent. I have a big goal in mind and I am doing nothing about it. I keep thinking I don’t have the time but what I need to do is break it into pieces and get moving.
Char says
Yay Maree!!! I love your idea of breaking down your BIG goal you want to pursue. Please let me know how it goes!
Donna Reidland says
Sadly, those deadlines are what really get me going, too. Every time I have a big project, I say this time I’m going to be done ahead of time and, alas, here comes that deadline! LOL I’m very intrigued by the 12-Week Year book and decided to order a copy. I’m excited to read it. Thanks for hosting. Hope you have a great week-end.
Char says
Thanks Donna. I love the idea of the 12 week year because it helps us establish our priorities and then move!!! I need that sometimes! Please let me know what you think of it.