We’re almost in February, how are your New Year’s resolutions shaping up? Do you even bother with goals and resolutions or do you prefer to fly by the seat of your pants?
I’ve always been a dreamer and a list maker and a big believer in setting goals for every area of your life. Sure, happiness is about the journey, but you should have a destination in mind before you cast out on your grand adventure.
2014 is a huge year for me and my family, for a number of reasons including the fact that I’m turning the big 4-0 in a matter of weeks.
Aside from planning a celebration, I’ve been compiling a dream list of 40 things I’d like to do in my 40th year.
Sometimes the list gets overwhelming though and it can be helpful to focus on one idea when making a plan for the next 12 months or longer.
Make it Happen!
That’s why I’ve made a pledge via Lloyd’s Bank’s new Make it Happen app, that encourages people to share a goal within three categories (home, life and money). You can join in too by visiting the Facebook app and picking any of the goals listed e.g. this is the Year I Redesign the Bathroom or this is the Year I Save for a Rainy Day.
My pledge? This is the Year I Start My Business.
Many of my readers know that I launched Mothers & Shakers last year but for 2014, we’re planning to kick things up a notch. So this is the year the business takes off, along with a couple of other projects I’ve been itching to get started.
The Lloyds app is not only simple to use but it touches on four of the elements experts say are the keys to making your goals successful.
4 Ways to Make Your Goals Count
1. Write it Down
There’s nothing more powerful than putting your goals in writing. I don’t know what special juju happens once you make that statement graphic, but its effectiveness can be startling. So get pen to paper and put your plan in action!
2. Share Your Goal
Getting somebody else to buy into your vision can be a great motivator. It means you have an accountability partner, someone to keep you focused when you start to flake. With the Make it Happen app, you share your goal with friends and family on Facebook – so there’s no backing out (without losing face)!
3. Get Support
Committing to change your life in one or more areas can be a mighty challenge. But you don’t have to do it alone. The Make it Happen app provides lots of useful tips and tools to support your dreams.
4. Track Your Progress
When you’re going after a goal, it’s important to check how you’re doing and occasionally readjust your course. It’s also essential to celebrate the little milestones along the way. Just try not to reward yourself with cake after losing that last 10 pounds!
What are your goals for 2014? Try the Make it Happen app via www.lloydsbank.com/makeithappen
Sounds amazing mama, I bank with Lloyds so will check out their app, nothing like writing down your goals and dreams and making them a reality! Go girl! (You are still a girl and I still don’t believe you are turning 40) x
Haha, thanks sweetie, I will have to dig out my birth certificate and scan a copy for you ;-) You’re so right, nothing like writing dreams down to give you that focus. Loved your post too on planning your way forward, seems to be working wonders for you x
We bank with Lloyds too, and have been for as long as I we have been living in London. I cannot wait to properly focus on Mothers & Shakers this year. I like planning, but usually don’t do New Year’s resolutions, I seem to start when children go back to school in September… does it make sense?
I think September’s another key time for planning Mirka, especially as we finally get a breather to think after the summer holidays! Can’t wait to get MaSh moving and shaking at full tilt :-) x