Using Your Experiences to Achieve Your Goals
We all have goals for ourselves. Some may be bigger than others, but a goal is still a goal. It’s easy to make goals, but it’s not always easy to achieve them. Everyone has their own way of setting goals and mapping a plan of action. Some are list makers and some just go with the flow. Within the middle of goal setting and a course of action, it can be easy to lose motivation, which can then lead to procrastination. This leads to us thinking that we can’t reach the goal we set in the first place. No matter where you are in the scheme of goal setting; I am here to tell you, you can do it!
Step One
First, I want you to think of a moment in your lifetime when you accomplished something - big or small. This moment should be a time when you felt your best. Maybe it was work related or a personal achievement? What I want you to focus on first is how you felt in that exact moment. Feel free to write these emotions down on a piece of paper or in your notes on your phone.
My moment would have to be the last workshop I held during my time as a sorority consultant. I was visiting our chapter at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA. This was my second to last stop on the job and it was my turn to host a workshop on communication and confidence. I had a group of about 50 young, enthusiastic college women. As we began to wrap up the two hour program, I asked for last minute thoughts and takeaways from the day. The comments and conversations we had overwhelmed me with emotions. Good emotions. I felt accomplished, helpful, proud, humble, motivated and joyful.
Step Two
Now, let’s go back to your moment and think about how you felt. What made that moment possible? How did you get to that exact moment in your life?
My moment took months of practice and patience. I had already spent a whole school year presenting workshops with college women all over the country, but for some reason this one was different. Within each workshop I organized, I had to allow myself to be vulnerable and open minded. I had to find the balance between being the teacher and the student. While I was trying to help others, I had to be willing to learn from those I was helping. To get to my exact moment, it took discipline to make a unique workshop each week for different schools. Then, I disciplined myself to practice them, even though I had already given over 20 workshops. But, because of this, it allowed my last program to be my best.
Step Three
Lastly, what are your goals now? What are you working towards? Maybe you want to work on a new project or start a new hobby? Maybe it is to save up a certain amount of money or to make yourself workout three times a week? Whatever your goal may be, it is achievable.
My goal is to find a job I can put my passion towards. I love working with people and helping them grow. Hopefully, I will have a role that will help me grow professionally and personally. I, of course, set little goals along the way, such as, going to the gym throughout the week, eating better, and listening to new music at least once a week. No goal is too big or too small. You just have to want it bad enough.
The Takeaway
No goal is too outrageous or unable to reach. If you rewind with me a little bit you’ll see why. You have set goals for yourself and you can make them happen because you have done it before. Think back to how you got to your moment. The moment that made you feel your best. Maybe it took patience, endurance or discipline; maybe you had the support of family and friends. With all the skills and resources it took to make that big moment happen once, do it again. Use these tactics towards your current goals. You will be overwhelmed with feelings like before. You’ll have a sense of pride, achievement, and happiness. You are your biggest resource. Dig deep to find your passions, skills and talents and use them. Make your goals a reality.