Article by Carey Hauri.
Do you have trouble crossing the starting line, let alone reaching the finish line? Life coach Carey Hauri gives us some tips on how to get on track and stay motivated.
How often have we said, “I need to lose some weight and get fitter”, “I really want to start saving more” or “It would be great to start the day with a quiet time with God”? While we often have great intentions, getting started and taking practical action isn’t always easy! Here are five simple steps to help you get started:
- Clarify your vision for making the desired change.
Write a simple one to two sentence “vision” statement describing how your life will be different and how you will feel as a result of having made the change. Even though it hasn’t happened yet, write it in the present tense. Place your “vision statement” where you can see it and be sure to read it often to keep you focused, inspired and motivated. For example: “I am going for a thirty minute walk every day and eating nutritious meals with at least two serves of fresh fruit and five serves of vegetables daily. As a result, I am looking great, and feeling fit, healthy and energetic.”
- Set a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-framed) goal for achieving your vision.
Your SMART goal describes the action(s) you will take to make the desired change and have it become a permanent, positive life habit. For example: “By the end of this week I will set up a direct debit to transfer 10% of my salary into my savings account every fortnight.”
- Make a time in your calendar for carrying out your goal.
Schedule which days and when you will go for a thirty minute walk. Specify a time and day for setting up the direct debit with your financial institution. Write in your diary “Get up at 6.30am for 30 minute quiet time” at least until it becomes a habit.
- Enlist the help of supportive family and/or friends to hold you accountable.
Arrange to go walking with a friend or have someone follow-up with you whether you’ve set up the direct debit. Knowing that someone will hold us accountable can help us to follow-through with our commitments.
- Celebrate your achievements!
After six weeks of faithfully and consistently achieving your goal, celebrate! Treat yourself to a new book or CD, or maybe a massage, concert or evening out with friends, whatever is fun and enjoyable for you (and healthy!).
Carey Hauri is a certified professional life coach specialising in life purpose, life direction and lifestyle balance coaching and workshops. For more information on how you can be your best and live life to the full, visit careyhauri.com.
This article was first published in the March 2013 glossy edition of RISE magazine. See back issues here.
