Summer Goals….

So for the past week or so, I have sort of been out of commission….I did something that I had put off for years…had sinus surgery! Ugh! Ugh again!  I am on day 5 post surgery and finally able to resurrect a small portion of my taste buds.  I still cannot smell, and I have a few days left before I can even blow my nose.  I cannot tell at this point if the surgery was a success.  One thing I do know- NEVER, EVER, EVER take for granted the sense of smell or taste.

I have been dealing with sinus and allergy  issues for years so one of my goals for 2018 was to just DO IT – just get it out of the way! Whether it worked or not, I can check it off my list.  The other part of that goal was to have it done before summer!

Speaking of summer….

Summer is just around the corner so why don’t we jump-start the season with some summer goals?  We all have to admit that life can be a little boring at times. Day in and day out we have our daily routines down packed.

Setting goals add excitement!  It gives us something to look forward to.  Plus, once we reach a goal, it helps us to gain confidence and makes us more aware of just how unstoppable we really are!!

I like the S.M.A.R.T. goal (George Doran, 1981) approach when working towards a goal:

S- specific    (clearly stated)

M- measurable

A- achievable

R- realistic

T- time based

For example: “I will lose 20 lbs in 1 month” is not a SMART goal.  Losing 20 lbs in a month is not realistic and probably not achievable.   A more realistic approach would be: “I will walk .5 mile (3) times per week for 1 month.”  Exercise is a great way to lose weight so that is a more specific approach to an ultimate goal of weight loss.

Below are a few tips to help you set and reach your summer goals:

1. Identify barriers.

a. What has kept you from reaching this goal in the past?

b.  What steps can you take to avoid any setbacks?

2.  Be honest with yourself.

a.  Is this the right time/season for you to accomplish your goal?

b.  Do you need a friend to keep you accountable?

3.  Know that you don’t have to rely on your own strength.  God is always with us to help.       One of the fruits of the spirit is self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) so all we need to do is           ask for help.  Plus “we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength”                       (Phillipians 4:13).

4.  Write your goals down and keep them before you (Habakkuk 2:2)!

5.  Always have a fun goal!!!

 

Let’s live!

Tekeela