You have set your long-term goal and now you have to evaluate how are you going to achieve that long-term goal. I know the saying goes that curiosity killed the cat, but in this case, curiosity will guide the cat. Short-term goals break down the elements of a long-term goal like putting a puzzle together. Short-term goals are the pieces of the puzzle. When putting a puzzle together you look at each piece in size, shape, and color. Then you try it in various places to see if it will fit. That’s exactly what you are going to do with your short-term goals. The exploration is your own physical, mental, and spiritual needs. In these 3 categories, what is it you need to achieve your goal?
Long Term Goal: I will run 5 miles in 35 minutes within 1 year feeling great at the finish line.
Short Term Goals: (These must be measurable as well and keep them positive)
Physically:
- I will increase my endurance by keeping my heart rate over 100 for 10 minutes of cardiac exercise 5x/week willing to go longer than 10 minutes. (I initially ended this goal with “Without fatigue”, but realized that was a negative connotation so I changed it.)
Mentally:
- As I run, my mind will clear making me feel refreshed and focused after each exercise routine.
Spiritually:
- I will enjoy each moment I am making my body stronger so I can keep up with my kids.
All of these goals will grow, shift, and guide you to the next step. Feel your way. Do not rush, and trust that everything is falling into place with your best interest in mind. Love the journey, not just the destination. Become curious about yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. Along the path to achieving a goal, there can be a lot of roadblocks and deterrents. I just heard the greatest phrase the other day, get curious, not furious. Anger does no good. Curiosity is a more loving, productive way to tackle an issue.
When things aren’t going as you would like, get curious, not furious. Write another short-term goal to understand and overcome the issue that is confronting you. Tackle it physically (how is it affecting your body), mentally (what power have you given it to control your mind and how do you feel using the feelings wheel), and spiritually (how can your spirit help you overcome this as part of your soul’s purpose).
Writing and implementing short-term goals can actually be more complicated than writing long-term goals. Let them be fluid. Look at them each week and see what you achieved and what needs to be modified. Most importantly, keep things simple and don’t overwhelm yourself. Love yourself. Be curious, never furious.
God loves you so much that he will never leave you alone no matter what. He’s with you always. Call on him. He’s there! ~ Your Inner Guide
Voyage to HEAL Weekly Focus
Stretch: Grab your foam roller or releaser ball and start exploring your body. Use either of these releaser items in standing against the wall, use the ball sitting in a chair, or lay down on your bed or the floor. Move around until you find an uncomfortable spot. Remember, knock-on pain’s door, but do not enter. If the stretch is too much, your body will tense up to protect you. Soften into the ball or foam roller and feel for connections in other parts of the body. Ask yourself, “What lies beneath this tension” or “Body, what are you trying to tell me through this tension?”.
Exercise: Activate the pelvic floor and core muscles in a standing position. Raise your arms overhead, and circle your arms 10 times clockwise and 10 times counterclockwise. This can also be done in sitting. Feel the difference between moving just your arms and keeping your trunk stable vs rotating your trunk with your arms. Which feels better? Get to know your body.
Habitual change: I know this will sound rather odd, but could you wipe with your opposite hand? You just never know when this will come in handy. LOL
Enlightened Perspective: Along the journey to achieve my long-term goes, I will discover myself through my short-term goals.
Journaling Option: How could I have changed a situation in which I was furious into being curious?
This week’s Voyage to HEAL blog coincides with week #10 Foam Roller and Ball Releases with the theme of Thank you. For ideas on how to stretch using the ball and foam roller, visit this week in your workbook or online with your Lifetime Membership.
Godspeed on your Voyage to HEAL
Love,
Jocelyn