By Coach Meg
Wellcoaches Corp.
Listen to a recording of the 72 minute session now:
Segment 1 Segment 2 Segment 3 In the last two weeks, I've introduced tools for getting clear about your Wellness Vision (check out blogs from November 8th and October 31st). A Wellness Vision is a compelling statement of who you want to be and what life and health-promoting behaviors you want to be doing consistently. Once you have defined your vision, then what? More importantly, how? I've found that most people want to make the changes needed to reach a higher level of well-being, and know how, but don't believe they can actually do it.
The Components of a Vision - Part Three A great next step is to create a set of three-month goals. In essence, goals are "dreams with a deadline;" they help you to think through the concrete ways in which you will be able to achieve the Wellness Vision. And setting goals for three months out is near enough so that you will have some urgency but not be overwhelmed, while far enough that you feel able to make some real progress.
Karen decided that her three-month goals were to:
1. Exercise five times per week.
2. Say "no" to tempting and high calorie foods when she is in a social setting.
3. Maintain balance between her personal and professional life.
From these three-month goals, we were then able to create a plan for her next week by asking, "What can you do next week to begin moving in the direction of your three-month goals?" Karen, for example, said she would "Eat no bread or potatoes when eating out."
Breaking the three-month goals into weekly goals makes the process feel possible; not always "easy" but manageable. It's critical to create weekly goals that are small steps that lead to success and a sense of pride, rather than weariness and disappointment. Often we start by doing next week what we want to be doing consistently in three months (all or nothing approach) which leads to failure and reduces confidence.
Goals that set you up for success should be:
1. Detailed enough that anyone reading the goal descriptions would know exactly what they mean
2. Written to describe the exact actions you will take
3. Based on what you know is absolutely possible for you, given your skills and abilities. Ideally a small stretch, not too easy to be a slam dunk or too hard and increase chance of failure.
4. Given a deadline for achievement
So, now it's time to write down your goals. What are the one to three goals you would like to have achieved three months from now? (Be sure they lead you toward your Wellness Vision and energize you when you think about accomplishing them.) Then, decide what one action you could take in the next week that would move you a step closer to those three-month goals. What is the one thing you could do that would make you feel successful?
Now, go for it! Congratulations for being on your way to living your best life...
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Segment 1 Segment 2 Segment 3 Margaret Moore, also known as “Coach Meg,” is CEO and founder of Wellcoaches Corp. in Wellesley, MA