Tag: goals

Set Daily Intentions to Meet Your Goals

What kind of day will you have today? You’re not sure. Really? Guess what, YOU get to decide the type of day you intend to have. Put the power of your intentions in place. What type of day will serve you best?

Wonderful          Productive                Reflective

Resigned             Lazy                          Marvelous

Successful           Disappointing          Lousy

Great                    Fabulous                  Inspirational

Hopeful                Positive                    Magnificent

 

Identify three tasks / projects / priorities for your day. Why three?

Three priorities are manageable rather than overwhelming.

Three priorities will give you variety so that when you want / need to take a break, you’ve got an alternate project / task to turn to.

Three priorities will give you variety throughout the day, which will help to keep you from getting bored with your day.

Why set priorities for the day?

Clarity is powerful.

When you get interrupted from your project / task, you know exactly what you want to accomplish for the day and you can easily return your focus to the task at hand.

At the end of the day, you’ll know how far you’ve moved forward toward your goals. Celebrate each step toward your goals, whether those goals are health goals, business goals, or personal goals.

How will you celebrate successes? YOU get to decide. Here are a few options:

Take a break and read a book, an article for 20 minutes.

Phone a friend and share your success.

Have a dance party in your kitchen.

Get outside for a walk.

When someone asks you to take a break from your daily intentions:

Make a conscious decision to accept or deny the request to step away from your intentions.

Let them know you’re working on a priority project and find out if you can connect with them later in the day or the next day.

Daily intentions set your expectations for the day.

Holstee ManifestoHave high hopes.

Reach for the sky.

Minimize floundering.

Get onto the work that lights you up.

Know where you’re going.

Feeling like you need to re-assess? Reading this manifesto from the folks at Holstee might help you get back on track.

 

Each and every day YOU get to paint the picture of what you want your day to look like.

                                               Healthy living starts now.

 

Set Daily Intentions to Meet Your Goals was last modified: January 7th, 2021 by Deb Nelson

The First Step is the Hardest – And Totally Worth The Pain!

Oh, these goals we all set…they seem so sensible, do-able, and just plain fun. UNTIL they aren’t!

 

2019 is a big year for me. I’ll be turning 60 in a few short months. What better time to set a few goals that push me out of that comfort zone I love so much. Two of these goals involve physical activity: run a half marathon and complete a century ride (100-mile bike ride). These activities have been on my bucket list for some time, so selecting them to complete this year seemed like a perfect.

 

Unfortunately, however, I fell in December. That fall derailed any running for a few months – yes, months. Arghhh!! At mid-June, I’ve run only a handful of times this year. I seem to be back healthy again, so fingers crossed I can move forward with a serious training effort to complete that half marathon in the fall. (Let me know if you know of a scenic, flat half route.)

 

The First Step is the HardestMy athletic event of choice has always been cycling. For some reason, though, my cycling miles have fallen off a bit over the past couple of years. When I hopped on my friendly pink bike for my first ride of the season last weekend, it was not a pretty ride. I selected a route I’ve been riding for 20+ years. My legs rebelled. My neck and shoulders rebelled.  Lesson learned: consistency is important. Nothing new here; we all know that, right?

 

What’s my answer to these setbacks?

Time management.
Scheduling.
Consistency.

Boom! I’m off – it’s time for a run!  Healthy living starts now.

 

The First Step is the Hardest – And Totally Worth The Pain! was last modified: June 13th, 2019 by Deb Nelson

Meeting Your Goals: As Easy as 1, 2, 3

You gotta love the number 3. Why, you ask?

  1. We can wrap our arms around this wily number and be a superstar of action.
  2. We are not overwhelmed by focusing on three items. Three just isn’t complicated.
  3. The combination of three is a powerful one. It helps us to understand the full scope of what we’re about to undertake. I often use the power of three when talking about my business: Live Well. Eat Well. Be Well.

So…taking all of this into consideration, I’ve set some goals for myself for the month of June. And…no surprise here…the number three is prominently involved.

My three goals for June:

  1. 30 minutes of cardio every day. I’ve been on vacation this week and have a head start on this one. Setting this as a goal will keep me moving in a positive direction.
  2. Start each day with a glass of water and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. I’ve wanted to explore apple cider vinegar for a while. Now is the time.
  3. Drink 64 ounces of water every day. I’ve not been paying much attention to my water intake. It’s a goal, so it has moved up in my priority list.

Some practices I’ll put in place to ensure that I’ll meet these goals:

  1. Make SMART goals. Setting myself up for success is a key element for achieving those SMART goals.
  2. Put an accountability system in place. I’ll be checking in with someone EVERY day – this is a 30-day limited frame remember – who will encourage me to do whatever it takes to stay on track to meet these goals.
  3. Write them down on my calendar – this helps with committing to achieving goals. They become more real and attainable.

If you’ve been thinking about making a few lifestyle changes, now is the time. When you feel like you’re losing momentum:

  1. Connect with your accountability person / team for support.
  2. Listen to the Jackson 5’s ABC.
  3. Take one small step toward one goal, and push those doubts aside.

Let me know what you’re changing up, what challenges you face, and how you plow through those challenges.

Meeting Your Goals: As Easy as 1, 2, 3 was last modified: May 31st, 2018 by Deb Nelson

September: A Welcome Beginning or End?

As we enter September, are you mourning the end of summer or
welcoming the opportunity for new beginnings?

 

September signals the return to school and the end of summer for many. Does that bring up feelings of melancholy or euphoria for you?

Gretchen Rubin refers to September as “the other January” where we have the opportunity to restart the year with a clean slate. This notion resonates with me, with September serving as a reminder to check in with my goals for the year: Am I on track to meet my business and health goals? If not, what do I need to do to set myself up for success? If I am on track to meet my goals, how will I keep myself moving in the right direction?

  • Go back to my why.
  • Confirm that I’ve got measurable goals.
  • Review goals to ensure that they’re attainable goals.
  • Re-assess and adjust goals.
  • Recommit to goals and go all in.
  • Make lifestyle changes that support my goals.
  • Find an accountability partner.

While we equate returning to school with the end of summer, the first day of fall isn’t until September 22. September is a great time to reflect on the aspects of my life I’m grateful for, and those things that I need to shake up a bit. I’ll go to the beach early in the morning or late in the afternoon with a notebook (and a blanket) to spend time writing a gratitude list. This helps me appreciate how fortunate I am and reminds me that we live in a world of abundance. It also spurs me on to lend a hand to those in need.

Welcome September and Your Wild New Beginnings!

 

September: A Welcome Beginning or End? was last modified: September 1st, 2017 by Deb Nelson

Are Your Goals as Sweet as Halloween Candy?

Whether you’re talking personal or professional goals, they’ve got to light a fire under you the way Halloween candy motivates kids.

julia fridgeHow much time do you spend setting goals for your business and personal lives? And do you stack the deck in your favor by limiting the challenging goals so that you’ll be able to check off a lot of items with little effort? Or do you strategically set goals that challenge you, your colleagues, your family?

This photo was taken several years ago – after a successful Trick or Treating venture. Not one to be outsmarted by her Mom who had put the candy on top of the fridge for safekeeping, Julia quickly plotted her path to sugary bliss. She dragged the highchair over to the fridge, climbed up the highchair, and scaled that mountain. Execution was flawless, and the rewards were sweet.

This small act shows the power of a young child’s mind: with no fear of failure, and no obstacle too big to overcome, the strategic mind went to work. A boost from her chair was all Julia needed to begin her quest the sugar. Whatever ramifications might be in her future – falling, being caught in the act by Mom, realizing Mom had already eaten the good stuff – would not stand in her way. These risks paled in comparison to the goal of reaching that Halloween candy stash.

What do you think the world would be like if we followed Julia’s lead on a regular basis:

  • acting quickly on a hunch with the possibility we could reap a sweet reward?
  • seeking out those things that bring us joy and a sense of accomplishment?
  • throwing caution to the wind just for the heck of it?

Sure I realize we have adult responsibilities and that setting goals is a serious business. I also realize that when we bring that childlike belief that anything is possible, we can see a whole new world of opportunity. Give it a try; make sure the highchair is in place!

Are Your Goals as Sweet as Halloween Candy? was last modified: October 27th, 2015 by Deb Nelson

Jon Huntsman, Sr.: On a Mission to Cure Cancer

Four-time cancer survivor Jon Huntsman’s willingness to spend his last dollar in search of a cure for cancer may prove that the cure isn’t all about money.

A man of integrity, Jon Huntsman, Sr. recently shared the story of his dreams and accomplishments in his book Barefoot to Billionaire: Reflections on a Life’s Work and a Promise to Cure Cancer. Here Huntsman makes it clear he has no intention of taking his last dollar with him. He plans to exit this world as he entered it: barefoot and broke. Huntsman will put his money to use by spending, investing, and sharing it during his lifetime.

Finding a cure for cancer is a lofty goal. After all, President Richard Nixon began our “war” on cancer in 1971. The progress we’ve made since then, in spite of the billions of dollars invested in research, is questionable at best. We celebrate as a success story any and all cancer patients who are alive five years after their original diagnosis. Yes, surviving five years sounds good. But what if you’re diagnosed at age 16: does living until 21 sound like a success story?

Let’s get back to Huntsman’s goal – identifying a cure for cancer. Don’t underestimate Huntsman’s perseverance, tenacity, and ability to meet goals. His approach to business has been questioned numerous times. In his book, Huntsman states:

Because we are headquartered in Utah, the big boys often look at us as hicks. As soon as they see signs of decency, openness, and straightforwardness, some take it as a sign of weakness and think they can take advantage of us. Some have found out the hard way that when cheated or threatened with an unfair set of playing rules, there is another side to Jon Huntsman, a tough side of which advantage can’t be taken.

This toughness in the corporate world translates well as Huntsman maps out his philanthropic investment plan. When partners reneged on their promises to assist with financing for a cancer institute, Huntsman Cancer Institute became a reality thanks to Plan B – something the masterful planner Huntsman always seems to have in his back pocket.

[M]y original partners pulled out, leaving me to put everything together myself. Today, I don’t rely on partners or other people. If I want something done, I figure out how to do it and I get it done.*

Huntsman continues to fund Huntsman Cancer Institute with the expectation that a cure for cancer will be uncovered. His namesake cancer institute is well known for research and the care it provides its patients. So, why did I imply that the answer may not be about money? Are too many people making too much money to stop this cancer industry we’ve created? As I’ve written before, I have to wonder “What if?” whenever I wonder why we haven’t found a cure for cancer. Here are a few more questions to ponder:

  • What if we already have a cure?
  • What if we take a closer look at T. Colin Campbell’s book The China Study and adjust our diet and lifestyle rather than suffering through surgery, drugs, radiation, and their debilitating side effects?
  • What if we check our assumptions at the door and read Raymond Francis’ book Never Fear Cancer Again?
  • What if while we look for that cure, we also pay attention to prevention like the folks at Less Cancer who believe Prevention is the Future?
  • What if everyone seeking a cure for cancer were motivated – as Huntsman is – to eliminate suffering, rather than to bulk up their bank accounts?

Like Huntsman and Francis, I imagine a day when we don’t fear a cancer diagnosis. I commend Huntsman for his efforts to remove cancer from our lives. I also encourage him to broaden his search and look under the unlikely stone to identify the cure he seeks. Never would I count Huntsman out – he is, after all, a man of his word. And, yes, I’d love to tour his cancer institute.

*From article in Summer 2012 Philanthropy Magazine.

Jon Huntsman, Sr.: On a Mission to Cure Cancer was last modified: December 1st, 2016 by Deb Nelson

April Fool’s Challenge: Swim, Bike, or Run Every Day of the Month

Challenge

Yes, once again I realize that desperate times call for desperate measures. After training for and running a 10-mile race last year, I sprained my ankle. What a great reason excuse to take a break from running. Whoops – it’s now been five months, and I’ve run no more than a dozen times: a far cry from at least three runs a week. Now. . . let the challenge begin.

Goal setting is, indeed, a lovely thing. Goals provide motivation to achieve something important – as long as the goals are challenging, realistic, and meaningful. For me, setting a goal to swim, bike, or run fits the bill on all three counts:

Challenging: I am the perfect example of the theory that objects at rest tend to stay at rest. I can easily park myself down with a good book and just dig deeper into a comfy chair for hours at a time. I’ll also be traveling a bit during the month of April so I’ll have to schedule ahead of time how I’m going to carve out time to get my exercise on. Swimming is not my thing, and I’ve avoided the pool for a couple of years now, so it’ll be back to the water for me! I also generally build in rest days, so this will be a bit different for me.

Realistic: I’ve trained for a 10-mile run and sprint triathlons, so I know I can set a goal around athletic achievements and meet that goal. This challenge also fits perfectly with the SMART goal-setting model. The goals are:  Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. Another key to ensuring success is that I’ve also got an accountability partner to make sure I stay on track. Excel spreadsheet documenting progress is ready to go.  Game on!

Meaningful: Once I get in the groove for training, I’m soooo much more productive at work and home. I feel better, sleep better, work better, play better.

Planning this April Fool’s Challenge, I realized that I approached it the same way I would approach setting goals for my business. Make the plan. Work the plan. Celebrate the results.

Do you have a different approach for work and personal life goals? Let me know how you motivate yourself to achieve personal and professional goals in the comments below or contact me directly here. Better yet, join me with a challenge of your own in April and keep me posted on your progress!

April Fool’s Challenge: Swim, Bike, or Run Every Day of the Month was last modified: March 30th, 2015 by Deb Nelson

January’s Clean Slate: Take Advantage of the Opportunity to Recharge, Restart, and Reboot

Thanks to the Your Turn Blog Challenge, I’m on a roll. This is day four of the seven-day challenge. I’ve completed four blog posts, joined two blogging communities, and put an end to my drought in the blog-o-sphere.

Like many people, I’m using the start of the new year as an opportunity to set some goals, reassess what’s important to me, and get down to work. How lucky am I that Winnie Kao and Seth Godin are using the new year to motivate bloggers to put their thoughts in print. Brilliant for them; inspiring for me.

snow-man-541740_1280Creating quite a buzz online, this group of hundreds is burning up the interwebs with thoughts that otherwise would not have been shared. I’ve read some amazing posts; take a look at this post by Heather Parady. It by far my favorite: Intense. Real. Thought-Provoking. Head on over to twitter and search #YourTurnChallenge. Set your timer; this is a seemingly endless rabbit hole – all good stuff that will keep you here past your bedtime.

Now take a look at your plans for 2015. Use this challenge to move the needle on your goals. What small steps can you take today to move forward? And then tomorrow? Remember, you’ve got that clean slate. No labels. No negative self-talk. No excuses.

2015 appears to be the year for shipping. I’d love to know what you’re shipping.

January’s Clean Slate: Take Advantage of the Opportunity to Recharge, Restart, and Reboot was last modified: January 22nd, 2015 by Deb Nelson

The Sky’s the Limit When Your Board Has the Tools to Give You the Help You Need

Entering the new year is the perfect opportunity to press the reset button and recharge your nonprofit’s board of directors. By letting each hot-air-balloon-67816_640member of your board know exactly what action they can take to help you reach your goals in 2014, you can put your plan into motion and make this year a successful one for your nonprofit.

Your board of directors should include your most powerful advocates; give them the tools to support your organization and you’ll all be better for it. Here are five easy-to-implement tactics to move your board to action early in 2014:

  1. Give your board of directors a printed list of your organization’s goals for 2014. (You’ve set your goals, right?) While sharing goals with your board sounds obvious enough, it’s amazing how many board members are banging their heads against the wall in frustration as they try to figure out what they can do to move your nonprofit forward. 
  2. Keep board members updated as you move toward your goals and celebrate small victories. Monthly updates at a board meeting can cover this: a brief recap at the meeting itself and a visual in your board packet. Include a graphic element for those who need images to get the full meaning of progress toward goals. Continued focus on your goals will keep both board and staff energized throughout the year.
  3. Help board members spread the news about your organization’s good work. Have a mission moment at every board meeting: bring in someone who’s benefited from your organization to share how his/her life has changed thanks to your organization. This is a powerful way to engage your board – making them proud to be associated with your organization AND providing them with a great story to share with friends, family, and colleagues.
  4. Ask each board member to call four donors to say thank you. If they get voicemail, simply leave a message and this job is done. If they get to talk to the donor, make sure you’ve provided them with talking points so they can speak to how the donor’s funds will be / have been put to use (see points 1 and 3).
  5. Ask five board members to visit with three donors to say thank you and to update them about your organization’s work. (What’s that, you don’t have five board members? That’s a whole other issue.) This will help strengthen the relationships with supportive donors and board members. 

Bonus tip number 6: schedule a coffee meeting with any board member who isn’t able to make a board meeting to keep them current with board activities. If a board member doesn’t have time to chat about your organization’s goals, have that tough conversation to find out whether being on the board is a good fit for you both.

You can see that these tactics are certainly not rocket science – you’ve probably had these ideas in the past. The difference this year is that you’re going to make sure they actually happen. Put the plan in motion, follow up, and follow through. You’ll be amazed by the number 0f new stories these simple actions can generate. Enjoy the ride and share your successes below or connect with me directly!

The Sky’s the Limit When Your Board Has the Tools to Give You the Help You Need was last modified: January 6th, 2014 by Deb Nelson