A Time 4 Hope!
A new year is a time to raise our vision and resolve to do what must be done. A time to pledge our best effort as we face head-on the challenges that lie before us. A new year is a time for reflection and self-evaluation. A time to assess where we are weak, to remind ourselves of our strengths, to cast aside our fears, and then to muster the courage to go forward with determination! This is how we cultivate our Hope!
This new year is a time for action! Remember that it is by doing not dreaming whereby lives are changed! Let us therefore stand resolute, with a vision of what we want our future to be!
The difference between a vision for the future and dreams: A vision is a dream with legs ― a dream accompanied by ACTION AND PERSISTENCE!
Inevitably our power to do is fueled most effectively by wise goal setting. It has been said that a goal not written is only a wish, but simply writing down a goal has no magical impact on our efforts to succeed. Goals must be set carefully, reviewed often, and distilled daily into tasks. Thus the progression is from a Laser Vision, to Smart Goals, and finally to Focused Execution of Daily Tasks. As we act daily in the pursuit of our goal, the clouds part and we see a glimpse of our vision becoming a reality. If this doesn't increase HOPE - I don't know what will!
You must determine what your vision for the future will be. If you are uncertain of what your vision is - take time to ponder your life and your values. Take time to pray and meditate in a quite place. A greater vision for your life will not come all at once - but it will come if you are persistent. As time rolls on your vision will change and evolve.
Remember that the things that matter most are not things. When our vision focuses on improving our health (physical, emotional, and spiritual), our relationships, and our character, we will find greater satisfaction and fulfillment. As we pursue that which matters most in the long run - HOPE flourishes!
I enclose the following instructions to help you set SMART goals from which your daily tasks will flow:
S.M.A.R.T. Goals
When it comes to setting goals, a useful acronym to remember is S.M.A.R.T.
Specific: A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal. To set a specific goal you must answer the six “W” questions:
*Who: *What: *Where: *When: *Which: *Why:
Specific means reason, purpose or benefits of accomplishing the goal.
EXAMPLE: A general goal would be, “I want to lose some weight.” A specific goal would be, “I want to lose 10 pounds in 2 months and I will change my eating habits by eating healthier foods – more vegetables and fruits, by eating smaller portions, by eating three small meals with 3 small snacks between meals to curb cravings, no second helpings, no emotional eating, one dessert per week, and by drinking 64 ounces of water a day and I will cycle for 30 minutes at least three times a week to accomplish my goal.”
Measurable: Establish criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal you set. Describes how each goal will be measured (numeric or descriptive). When you measure your progress, you stay on track, reach your target dates, and experience the exhilaration of achievement that spurs you on to continue the effort required to reach your goal.
Ask yourself:
How will I know when the result has been achieved?
How will I verify the achievement/performance of this goal?
Attainable: When you identify a goal, write it out and make a plan, you are making an attainable goal. You will see opportunities arise that will help you in accomplishing this goal. You will develop a positive attitude working towards an attainable goal and you will develop traits that will give you the strength to see it through. A goal can be both high and attainable; you are the only one who can decide just how high your goal should be. But be sure that every goal represents substantial progress. There are no Dreams or Goals too grand, but your goals have to be attainable. Make sure the goal you have set is something you are willing and capable of doing. When you set a lofty goal and challenging yourself you will find the reward that much better.
Relevant: To be relevant, a goal must represent an objective toward which you are both willing and able to work and fits within or expands the vision you have for your life. It must be consistent with the standards you have set for yourself. Your goal must help you remain true to the values you hold most dear.
Timely: Creates a sense of urgency. Knowing you have to accomplish a task at a certain time makes you accountable. Know what those time lines are. What needs to be done by when. How much needs to be saved by when and take the steps necessary to meet those timelines.
May you find peace, joy and HOPE as you daily pursue your vision!
