How to set realistic goals.

Hello Brave Hearted Steppers, 

Last week, I shared how to write down your lifestyle changes effectively. Today, I am sharing how to set realistic goals for those lifestyle change(s) you wrote down that you want to work on.

Let's first talk about what a realistic goal means. A realistic goal is a goal you can achieve when there is an alignment with your (positive) mindset, motivation level (commitment to the goal),  timeframe (short-term, mid-term, long-term), along with using your God-given skills and abilities for God's glory. 

Now, that you have written down your lifestyle changes, let's work on setting you up with the SMART goal concept to assist in achieve your realistic goals.

There is a specific SMART goal concept that is easy to adapt:

S (Specific): This step is the "What do you want to accomplish?" step. Ask yourself this question and clearly write down your lifestyle changes (e.g., Physical well-being, Emotional well-being, Mental well-being, Spiritual well-being) that you want to accomplish. Habakukk 2:3

M (Meaningful): This step is the "Why is this lifestyle change important to you?" step. Ask yourself this question and write down the reasons (e.g., improve physical health, emotional health, mental health, spiritual health) why this lifestyle change is important to you. 

A (Actionable): This step is the "What Brave Hearted steps will you take to achieve it?" step. Ask yourself this question and write down the steps (e.g., eliminate excuses, set realistic goals, create a routine, hold yourself accountable) you will take to achieve it.

R (Realistic): This step is the "What is the action oriented verb (or action words)?" step. Ask yourself this question and write down the action words (e.g., change, direction, learn, action, replace) on how you will work on your lifestyle change.

T (Timely): This step is the "By when you want to achieve this lifestyle change?" step. Ask yourself this question and write down the target dates to achieve your lifestyle changes in a reasonable timeframe (short term goals are 1 year or less, mid-term goals are 1 to 5 years, and long term goals are 5 to 20 years).

After you have written your lifestyle change, target dates (short-term, mid-term, and long term), the SMART steps, next is the planning stage.

The planning stage consists of:

Create an action plan: The action plan is the list of steps you will take to achieve your goal. Breaking down your goals down into individual tasks and actionable steps helps make it easier to accomplish.

Create a timeline: Building a timeline and set target dates encourages and motivates you to complete certain tasks on time and keep you on track to successfully reach your lifestyle changes. 

Create a progress list: It is important to check your progress on a regular basis (e.g., weekly basis). If you realize you may be falling behind on your goals, please do not get frustrated and give up. Readjust and remind yourself that its okay to fall behind and then push yourself to get back on track toward finishing your lifestyle change. This progress list will continue to be updated until the goal is achieved.

Every Brave Hearted step you take towards your lifestyle changing journey will be a process. Please do not get discouraged and give up at the first sight of frustration. Ask God to help you through the whole process. Ask God to provide you strength and patience to overcome all obstacles that may come along the way.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I'm praying for every Brave Hearted Stepper who is taking the step to do lifestyle changes that will be of blessing to their lives. I pray that you give them the encouragement when they feel discouraged. I pray that you may give them peace during the whole process. I pray that you may deposit anything that they are lacking in order to achieve their lifestyle changing goal. I pray that they will be victorious as the goals are achieved. I ask you in the name of Jesus, Amen.

The next blog post is scheduled for Friday, February 10, 2023, on practicing gratitude daily.

Many Blessings,
Maria Guzman