I want to ramble about setting simple and attainable goals in order to move the needle more consistently. Now, I am no professional, no life coach, etc etc, but I am a person just like you, that sometimes (ok…a lot of the time) sets goals way to high or too large, that reaching them is virtually impossible. Can I get an Amen? I kind of spoke about this in a previous blog post, regarding cleaning and decluttering my entire house.

So, here is my all the time scenario I put myself through: I have a great idea, I want to shoot for the mountain, I can do this attitude, anything is possible attitude, and on and on. You get the idea, but that goal is impossible, not because I really can’t do it, but because of the time limit or restraint I have put on that goal. Like, I will declutter my entire house in one weekend. (yeah right, tried it, no way unless I decide not to sleep, eat, or do anything else–then maybe). Or I’m gonna do a no spend challenge for one year(some people can, yes; me, no). Or better yet, I’m gonna lose 50 pounds in 6 months (yes again, possible for some; but women lose weight a slower than men; and everyone is different).

Why ramble about this you say? Well, I am tired of setting expectations on myself that are impossible. I read a book once, called The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. In his book, he talks about setting small goals, that will set you up for success from the get go. I’ll explain. I want to exercise everyday. So instead of saying I will run 1 mile or walk 1 mile today; say and then do, put your exercise clothes on and run for 5 minutes or walk for 5 minutes today. Think about it, surely you can spare 5 minutes to exercise, right? Don’t talk yourself out of it, make a committment to it. In fact, make the committment and habit to do it everyday at the same time, to put on your exercise clothes and shoes, then make that next committment to exercise the 5 minutes. Once you have started doing this, you will likely exercise more than 5 minutes a day, and want to exercise. It really is all about getting over that hump of starting something, committing to it, staying disciplined, and thus developing a habit for life.

You know I’m a list person, so here is my step by step for doing this:

1. Write out your grand finale goal(ex: lose 50 pounds).
2. Break that goal down into small pieces to get you started.
3. Decide a time in your day that you will devote just 5 minutes to this.
4. Commit to it every single day.
5. Stay disciplined even when you don’t want to do it anymore.
6. Expand the goal (ex: increase exercising from 5 minutes to 10 minutes a per day).
7. Keep expanding the goal until it’s where you want it.
8. Develop the habit for life. When something is habit, we really don’t even have to think about it, it is part of our consciousness that we do without thinking.
9. Reward yourself. (ex: buy a new workout outfit, buy new jeans that are in a smaller size, because Wow! you are in a smaller size now because you committed to it!)!

I find that I can do this. I can devote 5 minutes to exercise everyday. If I can’t devote 5 minutes to my health, then something is wrong. Again, this doesn’t have to be about exercise, it was only an example, but apply this to any part of your life or habit you want to create, and see if it works for you. Share in the comments what your goal will be and come back and share your progress. I would love to hear from you!

Happy Small Steps!!