I've really had my head stuck in the clouds for the past couple of weeks. I'm daydreaming about the time that I'll be working as a restorative exercise specialist, helping people get their bodies back in alignment. I've been picturing the layout of a clinic I'd like to open, I've been making notes for seminars I want to do. I've set lots of goals over the years, both short and long term, and I'm at it again. To help myself, and you as well, I've made a short list of 3 helpful handy hints when it comes to setting goals, or as I like to call it, "Goal Digging".
Tip number 1: Dont' be afraid to take your time and look as far down the road as you'd like.
A wise man once said "He goin' make into a Benz out of that Datson. He got that ambition baby, look in his eyes. This week he moppin' floors, next week it's tha fries", and truly those are inspiring words we can all live by. It's not about where you are now, it's about working toward your goals step by step. You're not going to reach your goal over night (unless your goal is eating an entire extra large pizza in one sitting. In which case, shut the blinds so no one can see what a freak you are). You've got a long life ahead of you, (unless you're eating extra large pizzas every day) so it's fine to take your time to really work hard to reach the goal you've set. Take the clinic I want to open. I only just started the first part of my alignment course. I still have to master 17 DVDs worth of exercises, know them by heart, what they're for, who can do them, what the modifications are for those with injuries, etc. Then I have to go down south to either Washington or California to get certified. After that I'll have to work for a while to build up clients and money to open the clinic. Plus Myriam will have to be in school because I can't take care of her and run a business like that full time...the point is, it's a long, LONG way off. But that does not stop me from setting my goal, and taking baby steps toward it each and every day.
Tip number 2: Don't let your life NOW get in the way of your life LATER.
This can apply to so many things! Remember when you were 10 and you had to have a new bike because the one you were riding was grey and not a cool color and hurt your nether regions every time you landed a sweet jump? Did you let your life (unemployed, broke, still in school) stop you from achieving your goals? No! You worked hard every day, always making time to bug the shit out of your parents to get you a new bike, and you succeeded! Good job asshole, now your parents are going to be late with their mortgage payment this month, but you achieved your goal and that's what matters.
Maybe you'd like to train to be a graphic designer so you don't have to work at Tim Horton's when you're 40, but you have a 2 year old preventing you from going back to school full time. Don't let that little brat stop you! Think about going back part time, or if that's not an option, start doing some self learning (buying books, researching on the interwebs) so that you'll be really prepared when your crappy kid is finally in Kindergarten. Go back to the first tip of not being afraid to make your goal a long term one. Slowing down is ok, but you don't have to give up on your dreams just because you have an obstacle in your life right now.
Tip number 3: Change the way you think about working toward a goal.
I'm sure we've all heard the old adage "Life is about the journey" or whatever it is they say, but it is true. Don't discount the path you take from point A to point B. I know it's going to take me several years to reach some of my goals (like getting a diamond studded golden grill for my teeth) but that doesn't mean I'm in limbo until I get there. Use your time wisely in a way that makes you happy now and propels you ever closer to your goal. If you go back to handy tip 2, and make sure you're not making excuses for not working toward your goal, hopefully you won't ever feel like you're just waiting around for all your magical dreams to come true.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to stretch my hamstrings. My goal is to be able to touch my toes in 7 years, but I have to work on it now if I ever want that to happen.
