When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? Be honest! I don’t mean putting your toe out, finding it was too hard and giving up. I mean really stretched yourself?
Honestly, I can’t remember when I last did. To do it, I would have to BELIEVE in myself. Hmm, I don’t know about you but I struggle with it. On the outside many see a CEO of her own business who lives life on her terms. The truth is most days I struggle to believe in myself! Okay it is out there and I can’t take it back……
I always find when I stretch myself beyond my comfort zone, I am surprised it really isn’t as uncomfortable as I thought it would be. As I stay in the “new zone”, I get more and more comfortable.
The last 60 days have been filled with lots of changes for me – personally and in my business. All good things but things which needed to be done. Clearing out the clutter to make way for more blessings! One of the first things I wanted to do was create a list of goals. I’m great for lists. When we step out of our comfort zone, too many BIG goals can be so scary we retreat. So I am working on being inspired. I know vague, right? Definitely not a SMART goal but I am working on one. I am going to set a goal which stretches me and as a result will excite me enough to move into action. I have been told a “stretch goal” will develop your character by tapping into your strengths.
Since MS seems to have wrecked havoc on my memory and my thought process, I struggle with figuring these kinds of things our. I know the answers are all in my head, it is just getting them out and on paper. Thank you Valerie Burton for these questions to help me (and you) find your stretch goal. Answering these questions will help you (and me) find the inspiration to forge ahead and stick to the goal. Who is ready to join me?
1. What vision feels just beyond your reach?
Are you great at helping others see their vision but you can’t see it for yourself even if you want it? Yup, I’ve been there. Do you want to double or triple your income? Maybe you want to explore your romantic streak or event your fun side. Do you dream of eating healthy, exercising and being at goal weight? The purpose of this goal is to not choose something realistic, but to choose something which feels beyond your reach — the one you think is as not really possible. The truth is “it is possible”. Do you have the faith to believe it? A stretch goal forces you to reach higher than you think you can. If you don’t have to stretch for it, it’s not big enough for this exercise.
2. What specific, measurable, and time-sensitive goal would bring you closer to that vision?
Now for the fun part where we get specific about the goal. Make it vivid. Describe it in a way you can measure your progress so you know when you have reached the finish line. And most importantly, give yourself a deadline. You know what happens when there’s no deadline, right? It’s always something you’ll start tomorrow. Before you know it, a year has passed and you set the same goal again! Sort of like those New Year’s Resolutions. We make them at the beginning of the year with no specific time frame in mind. A year is a long time when you don’t have a plan. Here is an example: “I’m going to have more fun and truly enjoy my life rather than treating every activity like a burden” is a great vision (not mine). You could break it down by saying, “I am going to travel for pleasure more. Once every three months I am going to take a fun trip, even if it’s just a weekend road trip somewhere adventurous. And my first trip will be four weeks from now.”
3. Who will you tell?
Make yourself accountable. Don’t keep your vision and goal to yourself. Tell somebody. Actually, tell EVERYONE who is a supportive person in your life. Negative people may throw water on your passion and excitement: “Are you sure?” “That sounds hard.” “You’ve never done that before!” You don’t need doubters to fill your head with negativity. Find someone encouraging, they might even want to join you. Chances are if you keep it to yourself, you will quietly drop the goal if you don’t achieve it. Commit to it. Declare it out loud. When we share our plans with others, it is far more likely you’ll actually carry it out.
So, are you going to stop playing it safe? Are you going to STRETCH???? Share your goal with us, so we can celebrate and encourage you along the way.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 