In case you haven’t noticed yet from my previous blogposts (here and here) and some of my Instagram posts, I’m big on goal-setting. My hubby got me into this habit a few years ago and it has become a part of my routine. I set goals at the beginning of the year and to make sure that I stay on track, I set monthly goals that I break down into weekly goals. This might sound like a lot, but it actually isn’t! If you dedicate a couple of hours to clarify what your overall goals are and then break them down into manageable steps, your monthly and weekly goals are easy to figure out! (Hint: I’m working on something special to help you get started if you’ve never done this before!! So keep an eye out if you’re interested!).
There’s a strong sense of pride when you check off a goal that you set for yourself because it means that you were able to push through and achieve something that you really wanted. This feeling makes me happy and contributes to my well-being and my sense of self-confidence. Achieving a goal empowers you to want to achieve more, raise your standards and set higher goals. It’s an addictive feeling. If you’re not convinced yet, here are four reasons why you should set monthly goals. I promise, you won’t regret it. Keep in mind that like anything else, goal-setting is a habit that you have to develop and you must do it consistently for it to stick. But once setting goals becomes a part of your habit, you won’t be able to NOT do it!
{ It gives you direction & purpose }
Like I mentioned before, invest a bit of time into figuring out what your overall goals are. Keep in mind that your goals will change over time and that’s normal because they shift as you grow up and your life circumstances change. Once you have your general goals, you can break it down into monthly goals, which will help you have direction and purpose. For example, if you know that you want to achieve a certain level of fitness, or if you want to build a business, then you know that there are logical steps to follow to reach that goal. If you know the end result, then it’s easier to figure out the steps you need to take. Setting monthly goals will give you direction and purpose on what you need to do, learn, achieve, gather, create, develop during those 4 weeks. And then at the end of the month, you can look back and see what you worked and what didn’t, and how you can change your course for the next month to make sure that you are getting closer and closer to achieving your end goal!
{ Helps you in your day-to-day decisions }
This is closely related to the previous point but I still wanted to make a separate point about it because it’s very important in the goal-setting process. Once you know your goals and what you need to do to achieve them, you will then be able to make wiser and more conscious decisions on a day-to-day basis. For example, if you have fitness goals, then every day, you will make wiser and better decisions on what you eat and how much you move. Every day, you will be aware that what you choose to eat and how much time and effort you dedicate to exercising will bring you closer or farther away from achieving your final goal. When you are clear on the goals you want to achieve, it will be easier to make day-to-day decisions that you might not have been conscious about before.
{ Habits are the foundation of who you are and who you are going to become. I’m trying to create healthy habits to take care of myself so having a habit tracker every month is important because these habits will ‘support’ my goals }
{ Making the most out of life }
I’ve always been very aware of my surroundings, experiences and emotions. One thing that I hate (and I don’t use the word ‘hate’ loosely) is to waste time, which sometimes comes to bite me in the ass but that’s a whole other topic. However, what this consciousness has given me is that I want to make the most out of life. I want to enjoy every day and discover as much as I can. What that means in the context of goals is that I have taken a lot of time to think about what makes me the happy and I have made a clear plan and a conscious day-to-day effort to work towards those goals. This gives me a sense of purpose and drive and I feel like I’m enjoying life but also making the most of the time that I have while I’m living and breathing! This might sound dark in some ways but honestly, it isn’t! Not to get too spiritual on you but we were put on this Earth for a purpose.
Find your purpose and DO IT! Every day, work towards it. Become better, stronger, wiser than you were yesterday. Make the most out of life, because there is so much to discover in the world and you don’t want to miss out! (Okay, motivational speech over…for now!).
{ Challenge yourself }
One thing that gives me a lot of joy is pushing and challenging myself in uncomfortable situations, because those are the times where my growth is exponential. I used to always choose the safe route and be comfortable, until I realized I was uncomfortable in my comfort (wow, deep shit right there). What I mean is that I began to live in a space where I wasn’t challenging myself, I was staying within specific boundaries and life became routine and mundane. That’s not a way to go through life! Until I woke up and realized…I can achieve anything I want to accomplish. And I have to give credit to my hubby for this mentality because I’ve seen him over and over again dreaming up the craziest shit and then actually achieving it!! He never settles for anything and always challenges himself to think big and he has been able to accomplish whatever he has dreamed up so far. It’s very inspiring to see that when it’s close proximity, so I’m hoping that my words are reaching out to you through your screen and that you are able to feel the sense of urgency that I’m trying to convey. Don’t waste another moment – challenge yourself to dream up your biggest goal, get uncomfortable and #JUSTDOIT! It won’t always be easy, but stay focused on the outcome you want to achieve and trust me, you will surprise yourself. You will grow as an individual, become stronger with every step you take and you will discover things about yourself and the world that you could never have even imagined!!
Get access to this EXCLUSIVE goal-setting resource library where you will find action-based guides, inspiration, tips, worksheets and resources that you need to help you create and build your dream like so that you can SLAY your goals!
CLICK BELOW TO GET INSTANT ACCESS!
Wow, I feel out of breath. But this is the reason why I blog. I want to inspire and empower each and every one you to take control over your lives, dream big, and achieve the things that you want to achieve. Even though I haven’t achieved half the things that I have set out for myself, I was still able to accomplish a few things that I’m proud of. When I choose topics to write about on Elle is for Love, I try to share something useful and hopefully inspiring. When I share my monthly goals, it isn’t just about what my goals are. The purpose behind that series is to give you inspiration with goals that you can set for yourself, but also to show you that consistency, patience and ‘dreaming big’ will get you to where you want to be.
What are some CRAZY goals that you would like to achieve? What’s ONE thing you can do RIGHT NOW to work towards that goal?? Share your thoughts with everyone, I’d love to hear what goals you’d like to achieve, someone out there might be able to help you achieve it, or I might be able to offer some advice on steps to take to get to your goal!! And don’t forget, #DREAMBIG.
WANT MORE?
- WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | Want to receive weekly Love Letters and motivational emails? Sign up to the mailing list HERE
- FACEBOOK | Stay up to date with all my content by following the Facebook page – Click HERE
- PODCAST | Are you on-the-go? Listen to my Podcast for practical advice on how to Live a Life you Love – Click HERE
- GOAL-SETTING WORKSHOP | Ready to set inspired goals? Click HERE to sign up to the FREE goal-setting workshop where I guide you through a step-by-step process on setting your goals!
- “CREATE A LIFE OF LOVE + PURPOSE” MASTER CLASS | Learn the tools and strategies to live a more meaningful and happy life. Click HERE to learn more.
Liz says
Completely agree!
I love your bullet journalling at the end
xx
Lizzie | Takeoffs & Landings
Sepideh says
Thanks so much Liz!
Anonymous says
Love the idea of setting goals and working towards them, I´ll try to follow your example!
Vanessa x | http://www.springlilies.com
Sepideh says
I’m happy to hear that Vanessa! Let me know how it goes! Take it one step at a time, start small and stay consistent – it’ll be worth it in the long run!
Lisa says
This is so great! I love all the advice! Also I am loving your planner! It is so fun and unique!
XO-Lisa
http://www.thatssodarling.com
Sepideh says
Thank you so much Lisa! Glad you enjoyed the post. And I’ve been spending WAY too much time on my journal HAHA #NoRegrets
Cori @ Sweet Coralice says
Goal setting is a great idea! I love your planner. My daughter does this every month but I have yet to get started…which should be my 1st goal right 🙊💕
Sepideh says
Thanks Cori!! Goal-setting is so important! And I LOVE your first goal – DO IT!! And let me know how it goes!!!
Pia says
I totally agree that goals are so important! They really get me up in the morning. Your bullet journal is STUNNING too!
xx Pia
http://gymbagsandjetlags.com
Sepideh says
Yes!! Something positive to focus on every week really helps! And thank you, I love spending time doodling in my Bujo!!
Nita says
I love goal setting, but then I always seem to forget them or misplace them… and then they just seem too far off. I think I need a planner like yours and set goals that are more short term rather than putting all my goals into the long term bucket.
Sepideh says
Try putting your goals all in one place so you can keep track of it! And it’s like any other habit that you want to develop – you have to be consistent as much as you can. Set reminders for yourself on your phone, your fridge, your agenda..! It’ll be worth the investment of your time and energy, trust me!
Vaishali says
Love setting goals but then I miss somewhere in between. I have to work hard on same.
Vaishali
http://www.vivaciouswish.com/
Sepideh says
What do you think you miss in between? Following through on the goals? Maybe you need more inspiring and exciting goals that you just can’t ignore and that make you feel energized!!
Avellia says
enjoy reading ur post
visit mine?
Regards,
Mrs. Aa
http://www.bymrsaa.com
Sepideh says
Thanks for stopping by Avellia!
Shannon C. says
I definitely agree that setting goals gives you direction. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat down to tackle a task, but I didn’t know where to start because I wanted to do everything at once. Setting smaller goals will help a person to achieve the bigger the goal that they are trying to strive for.
Sepideh says
Thank you for sharing Shannon, that’s a really important point! There’s so much that we might want to do but we have to learn to prioritize. I think that’s why a lot of people procrastinate because it’s all too overwhelming!
Setting smaller goals is also a great way to gain momentum and encourage yourself to continue and set bigger goals for yourself.
Sahar says
Goal setting has been a big part of my life since high school and a big reason why I have been able to do so much. I also find that breaking goals down into tasks with due dates had helped me avoid stagnation. I blogged about this last year, I should update it with my new learnings!
http://www.saharsblog.com
Sepideh says
Setting a timeline is definitely an important component of it because otherwise it becomes too easy to procrastinate and not get it done!
Caitlin | Beauty & Colour says
Wow your planner is so organized! I saw your comment about Pacifica products, that sucks!! You might have an allergy to an ingredient they use?
Anyway totally agree about goal setting giving you purpose and direction!
Beauty & Colour | Vegan Lifestyle Blog
Sepideh says
I’m obsessed with my planner haha
And I haven’t researched what I reacted to in the Pacifica products..I’m just trying to finish the wipes and toner that I have and I won’t be re-purchasing. Maybe a bit of research would be a good idea?
Zinny says
I agree with you. This is a well thought out and written post. I’m off to striving to accomplish every one of my goal. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.zinnyfactor.com
Sepideh says
Thank you Zinny, I appreciate the feedback!
And good luck with working on your goals – you can do it!!
Belle says
This is so motivational! Sometimes I set myself unachievable or unrealistic goals, and then I’m disappointed that I haven’t achieved them. I think I need to set more realistic goals, and get the satisfaction from achieving them. It’s hard though. Every month I want to lose weight, drink less wine (!!), blog more, get more sleep, look after my skin better, read more …. the list is endless!!
http://www.thislifeisbelle.com
Sepideh says
Thanks Belle! I’m happy to hear you find it motivational, that means I succeeded!!!
Realistic goals are the first step – less is more! And breaking it down so that you can be happy along the way as you progress towards your goals.
The weight loss one is a big one and I even get caught up and get frustrated but as long as you can take a step back and recognize the progress and continue, one step at a time, you’re doing amazing!!
Belle says
Such good advice 🙂
Sepideh says
Thanks Sweetie!!
Laura says
I love this! You have inspired me to keep better track of my goals <3
Sepideh says
I’m so happy to hear that Laura!!! Come back for more inspiration and encouragement! Always here for you!
jamala says
This was an excellent post to motivate myself (and others) i like how your planner is organized and you’ve written things down (categorically) keeps it all in perspective.
Sepideh says
That’s so great to hear Jamala!! Having everything on paper really helps me stay motivated and on track (I literally JUST looked at my journal a few minutes ago to see what I need to get done this evening!)
Steph Crandall says
My problem with setting goals is figuring out my goals. I’m terrible with this! I never know what I want to do and tend to just bumble along until something happens.
Sepideh says
Steph! That’s a struggle that many people have so don’t worry!!! Send me an email if you want some guidance figuring it out <3
Karen higgins says
Really good ideas
Sepideh says
Thanks Karen!