See Goals. Reach Goals!

Hi SparkPeople Members

I hope you are doing well! Don't worry if you've had setbacks. This is all part of the process. Remember, the most important part about a setback is what you choose to do AFTER the setback.

So far in this 10-week series, we have talked about:

• Keeping some form of daily planner to help you stay in control of your days
• Believing in yourself and in SparkPeople -- including using affirmations if you like this technique

Today I'll share another favorite item from the Fire Cornerstone that helps you stay motivated to reach your goals. This one is to see your goals regularly. Later in this series I'll have you do an exercise around setting goals, but so far I have emphasized simpler actions to build your momentum.

I'll share a story about how this one worked for me and how I still use it today.

In my first job out of college, I worked at a top company in Cincinnati as an accountant. The company had great people and a great culture, but the transition from college was very hard for me with changes like:

• Having no access to sunshine -- so sometimes I would arrive at work when it was dark, not see the sun all day because our building didn't have windows, and then leave when it was dark (we'd often go out to lunch at least)
• Eating from vending machines and fast food for lunch
• Not getting much physical activity

It was around this time that I started the original SparkPeople program to help me reach several types of goals including figuring out how to handle Corporate America in a more positive way. After I set my goals, I needed a way to keep those goals in front of me. So I made what I called a Vision Collage. I simply cut out images from magazines that represented my goals and put them together in a collage. I then hung that Vision Collage next to my computer.

Then, anytime I got down for some reason or tired from working long hours, I could look at that vision collage and in an instant be reminded of my important goals. When it came to making food choices, or taking a break for a walk, that one instant of looking at the Vision Collage would SPARK me to make a better decision.

I would say to myself, "THAT is what I'm working for!"

From this, I learned just how important it is to have your goals in front of you on a regular basis.

Another simple technique I still use today is to pick an object that represents your goals and put that object somewhere you will see it regularly. As I type this, I can see my tennis racquet out of the corner of my eye. I love tennis so seeing the racquet keeps me motivated to keep up my fitness program so I play better tennis. I'm also teaching my two boys to play tennis. Not to get too sidetracked, I wrote a blog yesterday about a breakthrough in tennis if you'd like to read it.

This Week's Challenge

Your challenge this week is to figure out at least one item that represents your SparkPeople goals and place that where you will regularly see it. Here are three possible variations:

• Pick an object that represents your goals (photo of a favorite vacation spot, photo of your kids, your walking shoes)
• Make a physical vision collage as described above. This can include both pictures and words if you'd like -- whatever works best for you
• Pick 5-10 photos as your digital vision collage and put those on a special place in your smartphone that you'll see regularly

For each of these three options, make sure you have an actual goal attached to the item or college so that it becomes more meaningful to you. Like a photo of your family could represent the goal to do more outdoor activities as a family.

Are you ready to see your goals and reach your goals?

Let me know a highlight from this week or a goal for next week in today's blog.

Have a great week. I'll see you in February next week!

SparkCheers!

Chris "SparkGuy" Downie



Chris (SparkGuy)

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