60°F
weather icon Cloudy

3-step goal setting that actually works

Knowing we all have the same 24 hours in a day, ever wonder why some people seem to accomplish so much and others stay stuck in a rut? The biggest difference between the super productive and the rest of us is a clear direction. They live with purpose and plan each day with intention.

On this first day of 2016, would you like to start the year off with a plan? Let's talk about setting goals.

It's often said that goals are just dreams with deadlines. Here are my two questions for you. What would you like to accomplish this year? What's holding you back?

I'm not talking about vague New Year's resolutions, like be a better person, get organized and stop procrastinating. If your goals are that ambiguous, you're sunk before you start. I'm talking about specific goals backed up by a plan. Easy as one, two, three.

1. Get a notebook and brainstorm the things you would like to work on this year. Now go through this list and choose the 3 most important. These are your priorities and should be your focus this year. You will make time for that which is important to you. If you don't know what that is, how can you even begin to structure your time?

2. Visualize yourself at the end of this year. Go ahead and dream big! How do you see yourself in relation to your priorities? What changes do you need to make? These are your long-term goals. Life goes by quickly, if you're not actively working toward your goals you're wasting precious time. Pinpoint what's holding you back from achieving your ideal life and create a solution for each sticking point. These are your short-term goals.

3. Next, break these short-term goals down into achievable steps. Break the big steps into baby steps and set this to a schedule. It's essential you write this down.

For example, if your goal is to lose weight, don't simply say "this year I'm going to get skinny" and expect it to happen. You need to set a realistic goal, say one pound a week. Decide what habits you need to change to lose a pound a week. What are your stumbling blocks? Be specific. Are you a late-night snacker? Plan healthy snacks. Need more exercise? Brainstorm ideas to move your body. Next, get your calendar and design your weeks, then months while setting goals. For example by week 10 you should expect to be down 10 pounds. Be reasonable and don't expect magical overnight change. You need to plan for gradual but consistent improvement then make it happen.

Look for progress in your life as a whole. Every positive change has a ripple effect. See how managing your finances leads to less stress which helps you sleep which gives you more focus to do better at work and more energy to exercise which leads to better all around health and well-being. It's all connected.

My wish for all of you in 2016 is that you create a life you don't need a vacation away from.

Contributed by Patti Diamond from Divas On A Dime – Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! www.divasonadime.com Join us on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom.

The biggest difference between the super productive and the rest of us is a clear direction.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Beatty Clinic gets tons of help with new a/c

BEATTY — The Beatty Foundation, an affiliate of AngloGold-Ashanti (AGA), did tons of good at the Beatty Clinic on March 22. Nine tons, exactly.

How an injured and abandoned dog in Pahrump overcame the odds

A stray dog that was homeless, hospitalized and facing euthanasia earlier this month is now on the mend thanks to several in the community who helped raise thousands for its life-saving care.

End of an era: 50-year-old Beatty business closing

Owner Jane Cottonwood, who made ribbons, trophies and awards for organizations all over the country, plans to retire and close her shop at the end of February.

PHOTOS: How Pahrump helped dozens facing homelessness

Every three months, the Community Crisis Intervention Committee puts together the Homeless Wraparound, quarterly happenings geared specifically toward serving those experiencing homelessness in Pahrump.

PHOTOS: Wild horses come home for the holidays

The wild horse herds that were removed from the Pahrump Valley earlier this year are finally home, and just in time for Christmas. Here’s how the community came together and made it happen.

Community Christmas Dinner set for Dec. 23

Christmas is just around the corner and it’s all hands on deck for the Pahrump Holiday Task Force as the nonprofit prepares to celebrate the season with the entire community.

A night of cookies with Santa

This past Saturday, the valley was invited to enjoy some cookies with Santa and dozens of families turned out for an evening filled with festive fun.