A Useful Tool to Commit to your 2016 Goals!

​At the ripe ole age of 12 years old, my coach sat me down at the end of a practice session and explained the importance of staying focused on what I was working toward. As a competitive athlete quickly approaching my teenage years, it was critical that she help me keep my eye on the prize. 

​She explained the importance of goals not only for competition, but for life. That New Year’s Eve I was instructed to reflect back on the success of the year and to identify what I wanted to accomplish during the next 365 days. She asked that I create a business card size list with short-term goals on one side and long-term goals on the other. I was then to laminate the card and keep it in my wallet. I of course abided by her request not realizing that this would become something I would continue for the rest of my life. It helped to provide incredible focus and clarity. Every time I would open my wallet and see the card I would be reminded of what I was working on. Studies show that you are 42% more likely to achieve goals that you write down than those you do not. Articulating your desires is powerful and putting your goals in writing is solidifying your hopes and aspirations in writing.
 
That laminated card was not only a good reminder whenever I would happen to see it, it also was a source of inspiration and strength when I was having a harder time remaining focused or when I would hit a roadblock. Back then, my goals were dedicated to excelling in the competition arena and at school. They evolved throughout college and have become critical with each new venture and opportunity I have taken on. My husband and I even create “Team Goals” of things we want to accomplish together during the year. Whether it’s increasing savings, paying off a student loan or being able to go on a dream vacation together, we put it in writing and work toward it together.
 
Goal setting has always been an integral part of the coaching process in my own coaching businesses and in my daily role with my team as a VP of Business Development. As a coach, every time I would meet with a new client, I would go through a goal-setting exercise so that everyone was on the same page. With my team, we establish weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual goals along with the necessary objectives so they can become a reality. I firmly believe that when you put it out in the universe, establish the action steps needed to complete them and execute the plan, you will be successful. It’s my responsibility to help them remain diligent and driven regardless of the challenges faced along the way. Tweaking their action steps and celebrating each victory helps their motivation remain positive throughout the year.
 
I encourage you to carve out time this Holiday season to reflect and be grateful for the things you have succeeded at and crossed off your goal list during 2015, and give sincere thought to the dreams, aspirations and ambitions that you want to accomplish or put in motion for 2016. I hope that you give the goal card a shot this year! I promise that if you remain determined and focused on executing your goals they will happen! Save your cards from year-to-year as a memento of your hard work and perseverance. My wish for each of you is that you achieve more than you ever thought possible in 2016 and that you can’t wait to repeat this exercise again next year!
 
I believe in you! Happy New Year!!!

xo,

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