3 KEYS TO TAKE SIMPLE ACTION

When thinking about making lasting change, taking action is a must. It’s not enough to say you want something different, or maybe you’ve set your goals but not aligned specific actions to achieve that goal. This time of year is where many people claim this will be the start of something new and amazing things will happen…and yes, that can be true when you know the 3 keys to take simple action that match your goals and desires.

1. Set SMARTER goals

Having tangible goals will compel you in taking action.. Motivation is created when action is taken, not the other way around. Therefore, knowing the best actions to take everyday will begin to create a shift.

• Specific: Identify exactly what it is you want to accomplish
  • Non-specific: I want to lose weight
  • Specific: I want to lose 3 inches off my waist measurement

• Measurable: You can’t manage what you don’t measure
  • Non-measurable: I want to make more money.
  • Measurable: I want to make $5,000 more than I did last year.

• ACTIONABLE: begin every goal with an action verb like quit, run, finish, eliminate, etc rather than a to be verb.
  • Non-actionable: I want to be more consistent with working out.
  • Actionable: I want to workout 3 times peer week.

• Realistic: here is where you have to be careful…when I say realistic, I am not saying that they should be within your comfort zone.  They have to be in your discomfort zone…not in your delusional zone, but in your discomfort zone. Change happens in your discomfort zone
  • Non-realistic: I am going to qualify for the PGA this year.
  • Realistic: I want to lower my golf handicap by 3 strokes this year.

• Time Bound: EVERY goal needs a date associated with it.  This is the difference between having an aspiration and having a goal.  If it doesn’t have a date, it isn’t a goal it is just an aspiration.  The great thing about a deadline is that it creates urgency and it drives action.
  • Non-time bound: I want to lose 20 lbs.
  • Time Bound: I want to lose 20 lbs. by May 30

• Excited: your goal has to be compelling!  It can’t be something that is so incremental or something that someone else wants you to do.  It has to be something that is exciting to you personally.
  • Make your goals something that excites you. Write it in a way that compels you to take action.
  • Excitement surrounding your goals will keep you going when the going gets tough.

• Relevant: your goals have to be relevant to where you are in your life.
  • Be honest about what is relevant for you.
  • Stay away from idealistic thinking that can land you attaining nothing.

2. Align Actions for Each Goal

Now that you have your goals, don’t stop there! Think about what 1-3 actions it will take to achieve those results. If you have more than 3 actions depending on the depth and length of the goal, what are actions come before the others?

Write those 1-3 actions under each of your goals. Here’s an example of my personal goals:

SMARTER GOAL: I will shrink my waist measurement 3 inches by May 1, 2023.

• Schedule 3 workout sessions/week
• eat protein at everymeal
• 10K steps each day

3. Schedule Your Actions

Now you have a blueprint! You know the exact actions you want to take to reach your goals. To do the actions, you must have a plan. Simply take your actions and schedule them into your weekly planner, just as you would an appointment or meeting.

On Sunday afternoon I write in my knowns for the week into my planner.

Take my example above:

Monday/Wednesday/Friday are my days to lift weights. I write it into my planner and then hold myself accountable to go. If that is too hard on my own, I go with someone else.

BONUS TIP:

Review your goals often! Out of sight, out of mind is a real thing. Especially when live gets busy, it’s easy to fall into the old habits and patterns that keep you from moving forward and making the change you want.

I like to post my action steps so I can see them every Sunday when I make my weekly plan. I schedule quarterly meetings with myself to see where I am and if I need any adjusting.

If it is important to you, treat it as such!

Not sure about what goals you want?

Grab my FREE reflection and Goal Setting Fresh Start Workbook that will help you pin point what it is you want next! (You can use this anytime of the year!). FRESH START