Can you help me set some goals?

Can you help me set some goals?

This activity is also printable! Download files here (Google Drive)

Live Deeply 

Do you ever just wake up, look in the mirror in amazement, and say to  yourself, "Man, I'm going to take the world by storm. I'm going to live deep, suck out all the marrow of life, and live a little more on purpose, a little more deliberately, instead of just by accident. I'm going to seize every moment. I'm going to find the very best things that this life has to offer my mind, my body, my spirit, and I'm going to say yes, and I'm going to send it."

Consider the awe you feel when you jump, run, read, do a kickflip, play an instrument, or create something. These actions require incredibly complex processes within your body and mind that happen almost effortlessly. You are a phenomenal instrument with an almost limitless capacity to learn!

The goal is to raise your sights, to let the best of you lead the rest of you. Today is an opportunity to take a step toward courage and confidence, migrating away from fear and insecurity. Your courage, dreams, values, and most intelligent ideas can be what drives your unfolding life. One way to reach that most intelligent version of yourself is to be intentional with your future by setting goals. If you’ve never done this before, don’t worry! This workshop will help you learn how.

Create Your Goal List

Open the notes app on your phone or grab a piece of paper. Write a fun, motivating title at the top, such as:

• Totally Sweet Goals
• Dream Big
• Level UP
• [Year] Upgrade

Don't get stuck on this; the important part is to begin.

List Your Categories

Next, write down these subheadings, leaving space between each one:

• Physical
• Mental
• School
• Family
• Friends
• Fun
• Spiritual (optional)

One-Time vs. Long-Term Goals

When filling these categories, think of two types of goals: one-time goals and long-term goals. A one-time goal under "Fun" could be going to a specific concert or seeing a movie in theaters.

A long-term goal could be learning to master the kazoo, guitar, or ukulele. The key is to think of goals that are fun and wise. Choose things that will fill your life with enjoyment and long-term satisfaction, open doors, and bring skill and depth to your life.

Be Specific

After this, get to work writing one to three goals for each category. The most critical step is to be specific. Whenever possible, write down the when, where, and how for each goal. This makes them much more likely to be accomplished.

Instead of "start jogging," write: "Jog three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the moment I wake up." Instead of "learn guitar," write: "Learn to play 'Hotel California' on the guitar." The more specific you are, the more likely you are to make it happen. Have fun with this process. By the end, you will feel more motivated, encouraged, in control, and optimistic about the future.

Ideas to Get Started

Physical: Do 50 push-ups per day. Run a 5K. Go for a walk every Sunday. Learn yoga. Play a sport or join a team.

Mental: Read a cool self-help book. Learn to draw, write poetry, or edit videos. Learn an instrument or how to play chess.

School: Turn in all assignments for the year. Be more involved in class. Join a club like choir or Future Business Leaders of America. Aim for a specific GPA.

Family: Be more helpful at home by taking out the trash. Make your bed first thing every morning. Spend five minutes cleaning your room daily. Be kinder to siblings.

Friends Make a new friend or a friend in every class. Decide :not to gossip. Compliment friends every day. Go to school dances.

Fun: Learn to rock climb. Solve a Rubik's Cube. Create a favorite comedian's playlist. Go to a concert. Laugh more often.

Spiritual: Learn to meditate. Pray more mindfully. Read a spiritual book. Join a group or congregation.

The objective is to get your brain moving, to help it search for and find the things that will help you grow and shine in this life. You are in charge of your life. What you can be, you must be. To create momentum, you need direction. Without it, you are like a boat in the ocean without a rudder, blown about without direction. If you don't manage your life, someone else will, and that ultimately leads to bitterness. No one wants to be babysat.

Write down your goals. Print them out or write them on your bathroom mirror. Hang them somewhere visible. Remember to make your goals Obvious, Easy to start, and Pleasing. If a goal is miserable, you won't want to do it. And if you falter? Just go again.

There is no need for self-punishment; simply re-aim and try again. Your efforts are what matter, even when you fail. The key is to go again. Decide today that failure is not important; what matters is persevering and learning. Now is the time to let your efforts, kindness, and goodness shine like a lighthouse to those around you.

Don't worry about the past. Just begin today, or better yet, begin now.  Why not? Full send. Don't let the ghosts of your past deter you from moving forward. Life is about change and growth; it's inevitable. Get out of your own way and go!

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? We are all meant to shine, as children do. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." -Marianne Williamson

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