Your probably thinking….

A goal setting blog in June? Yes, that’s right, it’s halfway through the year and a perfect time to set new goals and/or re-evaluate the goals you have already set.
The first of the year is usually when most people set goals. Some set them and do great; some don’t follow through and others just don’t know where to start. So, no matter what time of year you read this, you can always set a goal. January is usually the time most people set goals for the year ahead. But if you’re anything like me, I set goal all year long. I like to plan my goals for each month, each quarter and the year. Most people are really excited when they set goals, and some feel they are ready to conquer the world…. But that usually only lasts a minute and people start to realize the goals they have set may not be that easy to reach or they hit a roadblock, getting discouraged, causing them give up. Why is that? Because the goals they set may be too big and it may actually take smaller goals to reach that main goal. If you google goal setting you will find a long list. There are many different people out there with the same and/or different ways of setting goals. I have tried a few different ways, some worked for me, some not so much. In this blog, I am going to share how I plan and set my goals, big and small. How I set goals and get them done… First off I always get a paper planner at the start of the year. I like it with the months, weeks and days. (This year I am using a planner I designed and will be launching for 2023, after the kinks are worked out.) I also grab a spiral notebook, some pencils and an eraser. Yes, I use pencils because I don’t like to have scribbles everywhere and I can just erase and write without the mess. Some like to use different colored pens and I do that sometimes too. But if I go the color coordinated route, I like to use post-it notes, so I can move them around and I don’t have all the scribbles. This year I am using a pencil. Second I write down all the things that need to get done and I brainstorm on any ideas I may have for the year. Once I have my must list and brainstorming ideas, I use numbers to number my must list as to what needs to be done first and the deadline, then I use letters to letter my brainstorming as to what I would like to work on first and when I am going to work on it. Next I start with #1 on my must list and make a plan. Say it’s saving money for something I need or want. I check out my budget and see what I have to do to get that money saved. Do I need to take little amounts weekly or can I put it aside monthly? I write a game plan and move on to the next. After I go through my must list I grab my planner and write down the dates (deadlines) of what I need done and schedule time out to work on them. Then on to my brainstorming list… Starting with letter A and working my way down. Say A is posting to social media 3 times a week. I figure out what days I want to post, I decided what it is I want to post and If I want to make the 3 posts for the week all at once or the day prior. What I prefer is to make all 3 posts at one time or even the posts for the month, as I tend to have packed days. So it’s best for me to plan time 1 day a week or once a month to make the posts and have them in order of how I would like to post them. Then I write the post titles on their day in my planner, so I know what’s posting when and I can make notes in my day sections about how my post did and what I would like to change or keep next time. Here’s an added tip… Making posts all at once can take some time depending on how particular you, but it does speed up over time. I design my post in Canva and I do my write ups on my iPad using my notes. After I make my designs, I download it to my iPad and make a folder for that month, putting them in order of how they will be posted along with the write up. If it’s a personal page you can set a reminder on your phone to post when needed and all you have to do is copy and paste. Or if a business page or group, you can schedule the posts weekly or for the whole month and it’s done. Last but not least, I double check my lists and make sure I didn’t miss anything or if I need to make any adjustments. Then I get to work! Remember, take baby steps and give yourself grace if you misstep or fall off track. We are all human and most of us have to restart one time or another. Now go set some goals! Many people set goals and don’t stick to them…. They make excuses, are you that person? Let me know over on FB and/or IG, along with your favorite goals setting tips or tricks in the comments on the post for this blog.

Living Life Through a Lavender Lens

Jaima