How to Get Back on Track to Achieve Your Goals

This year has not been great for achieving my goals. I feel as if my goals got derailed between January and July. Now I need to get them back on track.

It’s been a messy six months that required me to take a close look at where I’ve been focusing my attention and time, and then revamp…almost totally. I’ve been realigning with the essence of who I am and with my values, desires, and beliefs. The result of that is that I restructured my days, moved furniture in my office, began working on projects I’d avoided, and made big decisions about what goals I really wanted to achieve this year.

I’m still in the midst of change and continue to think hard about what to do for the next six months. After all, the year is half-over. I got to do something to get myself on track to achieve at least a few goals this year.

So, what about you? Are you on track to achieve your goals this year? You have only six months to get to “done.” If you are way off track like I’ve been, here are a few things you can do to get back on track.

Throw Some Goals Away

First, re-evaluate your goals. Determine if you can still achieve them—or even want to achieve them. Then throw away the goals that no longer fit. Put the ones you know you can’t reach on the back burner, or, better yet, reschedule them for next year.

I had to throw away some of my goals. Totally. Not happening this year. Not happening ever. No longer want them to happen.

As for the ones I still wanted to accomplish but knew I wouldn’t…at least not this year, they were moved to an early next year start date (and later in the year end date). This not only got them off my plate but off my mind, which freed up mental space to focus on the goals I still can and want to achieve this year.

By focusing on goals that weren’t going to be achieved, I prevented myself from placing attention where it was really needed—on the goals that I might be able to still achieve. Plus, since I no longer felt pressured to achieve them, I stopped feeling so badly about myself for not making more progress. That freed up emotional energy as well.

What Can You Do in the Next Six Months?

The next step involves determining what you can still accomplish before year end. What goals can you achieve in six months or less?

I know that if I apply myself, I can finish writing the manuscript for my current book project. I also know I can complete a short book based on blogged material. I might even be able to write a few guest blog posts and articles for publications.

I also can enroll enough people in my Certified High Performance Group Coaching program. And I can relaunch my Nonfiction Writers’ University with a new design and focus that will make it more user-friendly.

From a personal perspective, I know I can lose weight. If I do more cardio workouts and eat a little less each day (including sweets), I can drop 5 to10 pounds…or more. I also can continue working on my health and relationships.

Making these decisions requires also deciding to give up some things—like offering as many live programs as usual and getting seconds on the meals I love most. That means giving up some income and pleasure, too. But all for a good cause. I’d gain some things in the process—like work enjoyment, a sense of congruency, space and time to do the things that matter to me, and a healthier body.

Achieving Your New Goals

As you create your new goals, take a hard look at where you are now, and get quite clear on where you want to be by December 31. What do you want to have accomplished personally and professionally? Which are your most important goals now?

Pick three to five goals maximum! (I am at fault of always having too many goals and then disappointing myself when I don’t achieve them all.) Remember…you only have six months to accomplish them. These are priority goals, you know you can achieve between now and then if you apply yourself and take consistent action toward.

Finally, create a list of needle-moving actions you must take to achieve these goals. Then break each of those actions into smaller steps, and get them on your calendar. Block time to complete each activity.

Keep in mind that not every one of these goals has to be small. In fact, you can choose a stretch goal. It will keep you motivated and excited about your future possibilities—the ones you are creating for yourself before the end of the year.

Stay on Track for the Next Six Months

Now that you have new goals for the remainder of the year, make sure you stick to the plan you created. Block time to complete tasks, evaluate your progress weekly, and continue to revamp and retool so you get where you want to go by 2020.

I talk a lot about passion, purpose and inspiration, but they are not enough to help you power through until the end of the year and achieve your goals in six months. They help, but you have to have a plan and work the plan.

You’ve got this. You know how to get back on track with your goals, and you know how to achieve them. Now, drive that train to its destination!

How are you going to get back on track to achieve your goals before the end of the year? Tell me in a comment below. And, if you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends!

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