Shanah Tovah Umetukah ladies! The Jewish New Year is about reflecting on the past year and focusing on what you would like to do differently in the new one. It is a great time to decide what things in your life you want to start or do more of. The Chassidic approach is all about adding more of the good stuff without worrying about removing the bad. When we focus on what we want more of in our lives and do our best to include it, then naturally the negative things, habits, and traits fall by the wayside. Think of it like a glass full of soda that you begin to pour water in...add enough water, and eventually that is all you are left with.
“But Chana’la, how do I set this positive change into motion?” I'm glad you asked, it's about setting goals. Actually, let’s take it a step further because most of us are pretty good at goal setting, it's putting it into action that causes the biggest challenge.
Here are my "3 Steps To Reach Your Goals".
STEP 1. The first step in reaching your specific goals is knowing exactly what it is you want and the feeling you will have when you obtain it. Being super clear and detailed on your goal makes it something realistic, describable, and tangible. Instead of saying “I want to lose weight and look awesome at my class reunion.”, a clear and specific goal would look more like, “I want to lose 20 pounds and be able to fit into my stunning black dress that I haven’t worn in 5 years. I want to feel confident and self-assured when I see my old friends.” The latter paints a vivid picture that invokes an emotion that makes the goal much easier to commit to and to work towards.
STEP 2. Discover what habits you need to break in order to successfully help you reach those goals Though it may seem counter-intuitive, goals are actually more about what you are changing from, than what you are becoming. Surprisingly, it’s all about truly recognizing who or what it is you are evolving from and leaving behind….Otherwise, you’ll simply be taking it all with you as you enter a new season of your life.
For example, let's imagine you want to begin getting up early enough to start a morning workout routine. Now, what would be some of the challenges that would prevent you from being able to do that? Could it be that you go to bed too late? Problem solved...start going to bed earlier. So you aren't a morning person? Crisis averted...have your workout clothes and breakfast ready and prepped the night before. Do you start strong but soon give up? No worries...get yourself an accountability partner to workout with.
STEP 3. This step is very straightforward but just as important as the other two. Schedule a time/place/location to make those goals happen. You have to make a conscious effort to provide conditions that will allow for your goals to be achieved. Think of your goals as a seed. Not much of anything in the beginning stages and still not much at all if you don't take the time to plant it in good soil. The same seed will either stay the same or sprout and grow based solely on the time you spend nurturing it.
So, what are YOUR goals for this coming year? What do you need to leave behind to make them a reality? When are you going to schedule it to fit in your day?
Below is a link to download a guide I made to walk you through reaching your goals. Happy Goal Reaching!
P.S. Do you want to know what I served over the holiday to my friends and family? I can't wait to share the menu and some of the recipes in Friday's blog.
P.S.S. Are you in the Busy and Healthy Moms Facebook group yet?? You can join us here: Busy and Healthy Moms
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy and sweet New Year filled with laughter, fun times and meaningful memories to be enjoyed in good health!!
xxx, to your health
