TimelineArticle

Article

How many of us fall victim to our New Year promise of new goals for the upcoming year? By now we are all slimmer, richer, calmer and have the perfect life – right? Most of the goals ended before the first week of the year. What could have made a difference?

What if you planned out the goal, and looked at it as steps to a victory. Goal setting is not new we just want the end result now. Think of a baby’s first steps, they know what they want but find there is a process to get it. They think, and roll over to their knees and then find a surface to grab. Then they ascend which involves lots of concentration, some balance and a few stumbles as they counterbalance. Then as they finally stand erect they move a foot and probably go down. After a few tries and with encouragement there is victory! This victory has huge rewards, now they have freedom.

Think of a timeline when you think goal. By setting small achievable goals including dates, by which they will be done by, you will advance to the objective. You too can create a victory. This process allows you the possibility to shift. The ability to shift when met by an obstacle lets us continue to move forward without failure.

Shifts are often necessary whenever we are on the road to success. How many times have you set up a budget or financial plan when the market shifts or the commissions don’t match your expected returns? The end will not be what was envisioned. We correct, we change directions so that that we continue to move forward. It is not taken personally. Many things are out of our control, but if poor decision making on our part is the cause, we will be able to see the problem, before it is too late, and make a shift to modify the situation.

This is also true for personal goals, be it a relationship, losing weight, or other desires. We intend to have a certain result and we find methods to help us achieve them. Ten things happen. We have a weak moment, the furnace goes or an old argument is brought up again and sets us off. If we are on a path of development, we are learning, we make a shift, we find support in the area we are having weakness. Then we start eating better, say an apology or begin saving again, and move forward.

Another important feature of a timeline is the celebration of mini- goals. As you move through your timeline and go past your markers don’t forget to reward yourself. These small successes will add up to the big win when the goal you are working towards is met. Remember you learned to shift, to continue movement and you have kept a vision, pat yourself on the back, go ahead and have a nice dinner out or get yourself a new driver – the whole set of new clubs can’t be too far off.

Why Build a Timeline?

By Kate Woods

Vital Spark Coaching

Creating Energy in Your Life!

Phone: 508-385-6164

E-mail: kate@vitalsparkcoaching.com or mayrene@vitalsparkcoaching.com