2017: Let’s Set Some Goals!

I don’t know about you but I am EXCITED about 2017. It might a sound cliche and cheesy but there is so much promise and potential at the beginning of the year.  I’ve set a few of my goals and hope you have too.  If you haven’t yet or don’t know where to start, let’s get you thinking about yours!

Reflect on last year

If you’re looking for path to move forward, first consider, how you arrived to where you are.  I find it helps to ask questions like…

• How did my body move for me last year?
• Do I have pain I’ve been dealing with that may have a simple solution?
• Did I read a book last year or do something to invest in my brain and intellect?
• Did I have enough fun last year?
• Did I care for my relationships as well as I should have?
• Did I do anything challenging last year?

As you can see, goals don’t need to be just about improving your physical look, health, or ability.  There are so many ways to improve as a person.  Let’s dive in a little deeper.

Body Goal

Your body is your vehicle and it’s condition can greatly determine what you can and can’t do.  If you are disappointed with how you moved last year consider setting a goal to improve it.

• See a health professional if you have pain movement.
• Start a walking program to help improve stamina and manage body weight.
• Join a gym and begin exercising consistently to improve muscular strength and bone density.

Food Goals

While food goals can be body goals too, it can help to separate them to simplify and focus on specific things to change.  While an overhaul may make a greater impact, start slow and find a sustainable change first.  A few food goals can be…

• Drink more water or/and drink less sugar drinks. Notice I said “less” and not “no”.  Any improvement on this is a win.
• Add colorful veggies at every meal, or at dinner if you’re eating none.
• Decrease bread intake .
• Eat fast-food less.

 

 

Play Goal

As adults, it’s easy to forget that we need play too, and not just playing with our children.  Don’t know where to start?  Think of what you liked to do as a kid and dive in.  Here are some of the things I did.

• Go fishing.
• Have a pillow fight.
• Bike for leisure and to sight see.
• Build a fort.
• Shoot cans with a sling shot.
• Wrestle with someone.
• Wade barefoot in a creek at least thigh deep. (Depth matters here!)
• Play a sport: basketball, frisbee.

Challenge Goal

What is it you would like to do but it scares you?  When was the last time you threw your hands up in victory, truly delighted in what you accomplished?  Your human spirit must have these moments!  Find a way to do this in 2017.

• Run the mini marathon (but please train for it!)
• Finish the project you started a while ago.
• Go on a balloon ride if you’re afraid of heights (totally scary and worth it!)
• Give a speech or presentation.
• Read a challenging book.
• Call that person and mend the relationship.

Did anything come to mind as you read through this?  Good!  Now write it down, tell a friend, and get started.  Goals don’t need to be many or complicated but do need to exist.  I look forward to reflecting on your accomplishments a year from now!