Navigating the day-to-day has just gotten a little more challenging with school back in session. Parents who are just now getting in sync with their own work-from-home schedules must figure out a new balance, juggling the distance-learning needs of their children with the ever-present demands of work and home.
Knowing that the ambiguity of normal life will probably continue throughout the rest of the year, maybe it is time to consider throwing out the rule book and starting fresh instead. None of us know what tomorrow might bring and trying to maintain a sense of control around the unknown can only complicate things. Instead, why not consider a short-term focus?
Short-term goals can provide the same level of focus as larger goals and provide the motivation to keep moving forward. Even better, short-term goals create a bit of normalcy, something we could all use, in the day-to-day. Short-term goals can create ways for individuals and families to excel personally and professionally, just with a more manageable timeframe.
Measurable – Because of the shorter timeframe, these goals must be clear and to the point. One benefit of this is the ability to avoid the abstract. This can be a goal set for 5 minutes, an hour, a day, a week or more. You determine what works best for you in the moment. Whatever you choose, decide in advance to set yourself up for feelings of success and accomplishment.
Motivation – Feeling like every day is exactly the same is when you desperately need an infusion of motivation. Use a short-term goal to create a self-imposed sense of urgency. This is a smart way to boost results and find yourself prepared to tackle the next goal.
Success – Achieving success feels good and a succession of smaller goals is a great way to build toward a longer-term goal. Do not worry too much about what the path looks like, just think of it as taking things one goal at a time.
Direction – There is a lot of truth in the importance of taking things one step at a time. Smaller goals allow for tiny steps toward something bigger. Remember, these steps/goals do not need to make sense to anyone but you.
Starting is the most important step, and if you do not at first succeed, try, try again.
