Half-Time is Over. What’s Next? : Review Your Goals!

 So it’s the beginning of the second half of the year, how did the first half of the year treat you? Hopefully well! Are you accomplishing your goals? Did you get side tracked? Are you doing better than you ever imagined?

If you are having the best year ever in life, then I am extremely happy for you and I hope that you continue to build on the amazing year you’ve enjoyed so far! If your year is average or not so good, how can you make it better? What’s holding you back from experiencing a phenomenal 2009?

Right now is a good time to re-visit those goals that you set for New Year’s and evaluate how you’re performing in both your personal and professional life. Remember,“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”~Maria Robinson.

When you review your goals (which I hope you set, if not I encourage you to set some now), don’t  forget to ask yourself some important questions. Make sure your goals are SMART!

S – Are your goals Specific?

• The More Detailed , The Better! Instead of writing I want to lose weight. Write I want to lose 20 pounds.

M – Are your goals Measurable?

• You Need a Way To Track Your Progress. I want to accomplish “X” by “Y”. Example- I want to lose 20 pounds in 2 months.

A – Are your goals Attainable?

• Make Your Goals Challenging, But Achievable! Staying with the weight loss example, If you want to lose alot of weight, then break your big goal down into smaller goals. For instance, I want to lose 5 pounds per month for 4 months.

R – Are your goals Relevant?

• Will Your Goals Provide A Benefit For Your Life or Really Bring You Happiness? Make your goal really mean something to you and provide value to your life!

T – Are your goals Time-Based?

• Make Sure Your Goals Have A Time Frame. An End Date Will Give You Something To Strive For And Help Keep You Accountable! Example- I want to lose 30 pounds by Halloween.

Now that we’ve talked about some criteria for evaluating your goals, make sure you write them down! I used to underestimate the power of actually writing out my goals but not any more. I used to say, “there’s no need to write them down, I have a good memory and I know what I want in life!”, but through experience I have learned that actually writing your goals down can have a powerful effect in helping you accomplish them. I’ve been told and have read that your goals are just thoughts until they are written. Personally, I believe that statement holds a lot of truth.

Whatever your current situation is, I challenge you to try to make it better! There’s always room for improvement. Stay focused and keep your eyes on the prize – literally! Not only write your goals down, but make sure that you look at them often. If you have to, rewrite them from time-to-time to help keep you focused and motivated. Whatever you do- Don’t give up! Go after what you want and celebrate your success when you achieve your goals. You can’t be stopped!