Are you playing the "What if..." Game?

It's Monday. On Mondays, I always like to revisit the past week, and get the "new" week off to the best start. Today is a bit of a double-whammy, because we're nearing the end of June, and I am now looking at the past month and looking for finish strong.

What were your goals for June? Did you write them down? Did you re-write them every day? Did you build your plan to accomplish those goals, and then put that plan into action? If so, you are likely looking at your list of goals, and celebrating your accomplishments.

But what if you didn't make goals, write them down, build and act on a plan. What if you aren't celebrating your accomplishments as we close out the month of June, and the first half of 2010?

NO WORRIES!

Firstly, it will do you absolutely no good to dwell on the past, wishing you'd done this or that, thinking "If only I'd ....". You know what? The past is the past. Learn from it and then leave it behind. LEARN from it, and LEAVE it behind. The key here is to learn from it first, leave it behind second. and move on.

When you learn that the first step to realizing your goals is to define your goals, it is not such a big leap to then write those goals down. I encourage you to do this for all areas of your life. But don't get hung up on details, or the "big picture". Your goals can, and will, change over time. The important thing is to write them down, and then start working towards them.

For July, why not try first defining a couple of goals for the month, then write them down. Put your goals up on the wall by your computer, by your fridge, on your mirror, in your wallet. Somewhere that they will be visible reminders throughout your day to keep you focused on achieving those goals.
Your goals don't have to be fancy or sophisticated. Your goals can be focused on work, personal, relationships, money, fitness; whatever you want to achieve.

Tips for Goal-Writing

Make your goal as SPECIFIC as possible (i.e. I will call my mom every Tuesday); write MEASURABLE goals (i.e. I will lose 2 pounds); your goals must be ATTAINABLE, but still be a stretch for you; make your goal REALISTIC - it must be something you want and will work towards or else you won't put the effort into attaining it; and ensure that your goal is TIMELY - something you can achieve within the timeframe given (in this case, one month).

Now, write down two things: your goal(s) for July; and reminders on July 15 and 25 to revisit your goals and your progress towards them. I'll be here August 1 to help you celebrate your success!!