Monday, June 23, 2008

Return on Life: Are you halfway to your goals for the year?


Most of us begin the new year by setting goals for the coming 12 months. Some of you, I'm certain, are still focused on what you want to accomplish during 2008. However, if you are like many, by the time spring rolls around (much less summer!), you've either forgotten most of the goals you set or you are no longer focusing on them.
In another week, we'll be halfway through 2008. It's a great time to step back and think about what's important to you. Are the goals you set supportive of the values which are most important to you? If you are struggling with this, try to think of goals more in terms of the following pattern: I would like my life to be more _____________ this year.
One of my goals this year has been for my life to be more active. I decided to start running again and set a goal of running a half marathon in the fall in order to support the larger goal of being more active. I built up to the point of being able to run 3 miles in 30 minutes (on a flat course, inside!!) with no problems, but then developed a problem with my Achilles tendon. I have not been able to run for about 6 weeks now. However, I am able to work out on an elliptical and today I tried swimming, which I also love. Although I'll be a little disappointed if I can't make the half marathon, setting my yearly goal as being more active has allowed "mental latitude" in how I get there. It's made it much easier to explore options and not get stuck on one method, then giving up altogether when hitting an obstacle with it.
So, revisit your goals and reframe them, if necessary, in terms of "I would like my life to be more ____________ this year. See what you can accomplish in the second half of 2008!

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