Goal of the Week #43: Reach a Goal

gold-starThis week’s goal: reach a goal! Did you set a goal for 2013? Did you set a bunch of goals? Great. How many of them did you accomplish? If your answer is one or more, good for you! If you have yet to complete a goal for 2013, there is still time. I know it’s busy, being the holiday season and all, but take some time this week – and next – to complete one of your 2013 goals. Even if you did not accomplish all you set out to do this year, pick one attainable item, and get it done. You’ll feel good about yourself … and will be ready to zoom into 2014.

Which goal will you complete this week?

Goal of the Week #42: Take a Break

lunchThis week’s goal: Take a break. Its the busiest time of the year. You have extra holiday obligations – school and work functions, parties, shopping, etc., not to mention all of those end-of-the-year deadlines. This is me, the goal coach, saying it’s not only okay to take break during the hustle and bustle of the holiday’s, it’s practically mandatory.

So, one day this week, for your lunch hour, actually go to lunch … don’t run errands or work through lunch at your desk. Even better, go to lunch with a friend. Another option: Take a coffee break that involves leaving your office and getting a cup of coffee. You can also curl up with a good book one evening or leave the laptop – and your work – at work.

Everything will get done, as long as you are mindful of your obligations, make lists, and take care of yourself.

What kind of break will you take this week?

 

Goal of the Week #41: Perform a Random Act of Kindness

GiftGoal of the Week: Perform a random act of kindness. The holidays can be full of food, fun, and activity. They can also be very stressful. This week, do something nice for a stranger. Hold open the door, buy coffee for the person behind you in line, carry spare treats – candy canes, small toys, etc. – and give them out to people who need a lift. It’s amazing how much that will lift your spirits too!

Share your random acts of kindness in the comments.

December 2013 Goals

Snowflakes in LAThe year is winding down. You knew this was going to happen, but, still, it snuck up on you, didn’t it? Are you in the home stretch for completing your 2013 goals? Or do you still have a ways to go?

In December you have two choices in regards to your goals: Hunker down and get them finished no matter what. Remember, it’s holiday time, which means there are more distractions in December than any other month, so keep that in mind too.  Or, you can use December as a planning month and hit the ground running in January.

You are the one who is in charge of juggling all the aspects of your life, so whichever way works for you is fine.  Enjoy December, accomplish what you can, and get ready for 2014. It will be here before you know it!

What are your goals for December?

Goal of the Week #40: Say Thanks!

ThanksThis Week’s Goal: Say Thanks! When was the last time you thanked someone? Whether it was for lunch, a job referral, a connection. This week – in honor of Thanksgiving, of course – write a thank you note. It could be an email, but a mailed thank-you card is even better. Everyone likes to feel appreciated, so take a few minutes, write a meaningful note, and thank someone. If you have time, send out a couple of notes. The positive energy you send out will be returned to you. Plus, it will make you both feel good! Talk about win win.

Who will you thank?

Goal of the Week #39: Visualize

ForbesGoal of the Week: Visualize! Then, create a representation of what it is you want. What is your ultimate dream, goal, or accomplishment? Do you want your book to be on the New York Times Bestseller List? Do you want your business on the Forbes list? Want to be named top 30 under 30 – or top 40 under 40 – in a respected industry publication? Want your app on a list of top apps? Great! Put yourself there … literally.

Want to be on the New York Times Bestseller List, take the current NYTBS. Then, put your name and book title right at the top.

Want to have your name – or your business – as part of a highly respected list in your industry? Take the current list from that magazine, and add your name and photo to that list.

Want your app on CNET’s Best App list or the Top Apps list on Apple or Google Play? Take a screenshot of the current list, then Photoshop your app  right at the top.

Seeing what you want is the first step in getting what you want. Once you have your visual representation, print it our and put it somewhere you will see it every day.

What is it you want? Share in the comments.

Goal of the Week #38 Explore New Social Media

VineThis Week’s Goal: Explore a new social media site. Most of you are already on the main social media platforms: LinkedIn, which everyone should be on for business, as well as Facebook and Twitter. This week, take an hour and explore an additional social media platform, such as Google+, YouTube or Vine (videos), Pinterest (photos), or Instagram (photos and video). There are so many social media apps, it’s nearly impossible to be on all of them. So test them out, one at a time, and see what works best for you. Make it a goal to test out a new site each month. Try and incorporate a new tool into your social strategy every few months.

Social media may seem like a black hole sometimes, swiftly using up your time and energy, when you have so many other things to do. However, social media is an important part of your marketing strategy. So take the time to see what fits best for you and your business.

Goal of the Week #37 Make a List

ListThis Week’s Goal: Make a list. Write out everything you want to accomplish this week. Your list can be as long or as short as you want it to be. Include professional tasks, errands, to dos for your passion project. Write it on paper or use a dedicated document on your computer. And be sure to put stars next to urgent items. Then, each night, cross off everything that you accomplished the previous day and then add any new tasks. This is an easy and effective way to keep track of your to dos and accomplishments.

Did you write your list? How long is it? 

November 2013 Goals

autumn leavesThe countdown begins. Only two months left til the end of the year. You can panic, scrap all of your unaccomplished goals for 2013, and take the rest of the year off. Or – and this is my recommendation – take a breath and see what you can still accomplish this year. December will have it’s own challenges and end of the year deadlines. So, just focus on November. Name one, two, or three things you can realistically get done this month. Do you want to launch that long-overdue blog, make a business plan, or even just clean out your office? Do you want to make good on your goal to network more and attend a few events this month? Perhaps it’s time to start the workout regimen you promised you would do last January. Just pick something, do it, and then pick something else. It’s that simple.

What is your goal – or are your goals – for November?

Goal of the Week #36 Treat Yourself

Coffee TreatThis week’s goal: Treat yourself. Halloween reference intended. Treats aren’t just for kids, you know. So, take time off and do something special, whether it’s a walk around the block, a 30-minute coffee break, a long catch-up call with an old friend, lunch at a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try, or dinner out with someone special. You’ve been working hard. So, just reward yourself and enjoy.

How will you treat yourself this week?