Plans and Goals

As the new year is the time typically set for making plans, goals and aspirations for the year, I always find it hard to make such a definitive decision so early on. I’ve learned over the years that it takes 21 to 40 days to make a habit stick. In merging these two ideas, the actions needed to meet the plans, goals or aspiration will take a period of time to achieve.

I have been one to set rigid goals and plans and goals. Any slight variation could either create an obstacle or take me off their path all together. Often, I would find myself (especially in my perfectionist days) to see the variation as a sign of failure. With failure, my quest for my goals and plans would die immediately. I would give up and not look back – well at least not often.

After multiple years of setting plans and goals and my quest ending much earlier than I would like, I knew I had to rethink the process of plans and goals.

What if I allowed myself time to adjust to the actions needed to achieve my plans and goals? What if the plans and goals initially set needed to be modified somewhere along the way? What if plans were abandoned or goals weren’t achieved? What if?

All of these “what ifs” taught me that setting plans and goals and aspirations are needed during this time of year or whenever a new quest comes to mind.

First, writing down the plans and goals sets the intention and actions to achievement.

Second, during the habit setting period, review those plans and goals for any adjustments in what I need to do to achieve.

Third, periodically review the plans and goals for adjustments since circumstances and conditions could change.

Lastly, if the changes are no longer serving your intention, abandoning or changing plans and goals is okay; use that as opportunity to learn the lesson and take what works and modifications forward.

Achieving plans and goals is doable any time of year. Be aware of the “what ifs” that crop up and instead of viewing them as reasons to quit or as failure, allow yourself time to adjust. Keep your eye on the intention and no doubt success will be yours. ~ChaCha