10965760_sIt’s about that time of year when many people get discouraged, and abandon the New Year’s resolutions and goals they so passionately committed to just a few short weeks ago!  So, at the risk of somewhat repeating the main theme I wrote about in January, I’m thrilled to introduce you to one of my “amazing” clients that I have had the pleasure of coaching, mentoring and working with for many years who will talk about the goal setting process.  Her name is Terri Segal, owner of Rhythmic By Nature.  She has developed such an incredible business, team and community – and her energy and authenticity inspires all who meet her.

I humbly share a recent conversation and message from Terri:

“Sheri, you really helped inspire and shape this for me – and now I’m passing it onto my team – thank you!”

“The thought of sitting down and setting goals can be overwhelming, as it holds ourselves accountable for our OWN LIVES … Yet really, we are in the driver’s seat, making choices every day, big or small, difficult or easy, at every moment. Our choices ripple like a rock dropped into water touching our own lives in ways we could never imagine and the lives of our family, loved ones and community.  Living a life of passion, purpose and meaning takes courage, resilience, support, trust, faith and action.  When your passion becomes your profession and you choose to carve out your own career path and business, setting goals is paramount in helping you grow your business in a way that stays congruent with your own VISION.

Whether setting goals at the beginning of a new year, beginning of a season, or anywhere in between, here are some tips below that can help your goal setting process:

Tips for Setting Goals:

  1. Carve out the time ‘just for you’, to stop and check in with yourself – consistently.
  2. Create a ‘time out’ and ‘tune in’ atmosphere that encourages and energizes you – i.e. take a walk in nature, read or put on inspiring background music, indulge in your favourite flavour of tea/coffee, etc.
  3. Type notes on the computer, or write in journal.
  4. Ask yourself and answer key guiding questions:
  • What is working?
  • What is not working?
  • What do I want more of?
  • What do I want less of?
  • What do I need to do NOW to make these necessary changes?
  • What kind of support do I have or still need, to move forward?
  • How will these choices and actions impact those around me?
  1. Suspend Self-Judgement
  • One moment we can feel really motivated to take action towards a goal, and the next moment, we can lose the momentum, feel discouraged and think of a million other things that are more important to do, putting it off for another day.  In a split instant, our inner critic, saboteur, and judge can get in the way of making a great idea or inspiration come to fruition by telling us all of the things that we “cannot do, cannot handle, aren’t good enough for, lack experience in etc., etc.,” … Sound familiar??  It happens to us all, and may even occur more frequently when on the brink of crossing a new boundary or moving outside of our comfort zone to almost the point of breakthrough.  Again, go back to the key questions as they can be our guiding light.

Here’s more to consider when the inner critic is having a “go” at you:

  • Who is missing out by me not following through with the meaningful work I do, or the great idea that I have?
  • When I follow through with this step, how will I feel, and what will be the results for me and my clients?
  • What support do I already have in place to assist me to reach this goal, or take this step?

Like everyone, the start of the New Year is always a great time to look back on the previous year and forward to the next year, redefining and refining my VISION, setting concrete goals and putting a structure in place for me to achieve these goals.

I also take time to re-assess my goals and set smaller, reachable and immediate goals for each season… and I encourage you to do the same.”

Terri Segal, Terri@RythmicByNature.com, www.RythmicByNature.com

Recognize the powerful learning in your biggest challenges.  Track and acknowledge your accomplishments regularly (big and small).  Know what you want, financially and otherwise.  Embrace what excites and motivates you the most, and let it be the driving force to help you create and live your ideal life.

As always, we look forward to your comments.

Sheri Andrunyk