We are in the middle of a global pandemic that has required all of us to #StayAtHome to help 'flatten the curve'. I've heard a lot of my friends talk about how coronavirus has ruined their 2020 plans and goals. I've honestly thought about it for a long time too! But recently, I decided I would find ways to turn this disaster to my advantage. And today, I would like to share how this thought process went.
Sometime during the start or just before the start of 2020, you may have had your life planned out. Your visions and your perspectives were all set to welcome a new year. But now, you're seated quietly somewhere in your house, not allowed to go out and not knowing what to do next.
So, how do you start your 2020 plans wherever you are right now?
1. Visualize your goals (if you still haven't).
This is one of the most effective ways to carry through with a goal or a plan at anytime. Make a visual representation of your goals. It can be through journal or a vision board, it just has to be something you can see on a daily basis. This way, your goals seem a lot more tangible and within your reach. The best news is, all of the things you need can be found inside your home too!
Just grab a pen and a paper and start scribbling those goals! Be as organized or as creative as you can, do whatever works for you.
It would be best if you can post it somewhere you'd see when you wake up or just anywhere you'd often linger in the house. Reminding yourself of your goals daily is the best way to start!
2. Talk to your friends about your goals and let them share theirs too.
Staying at home surely have provided us with a lot of time to catch up with friends - maybe even those we didn't get to talk to on a regular basis before. If you've run out of things to chat about, why not ask them about their goals this year? Besides this being a great conversation starter, you can get ideas on how you can manage yourself or better your plans.
Ask them what they think about your goals but you don't have to take in everyone's opinions. Just focus on what can help you and if possible, help them too!
Sharing your goals on the other hand can help you visualize its end product. It always is very motivating imagining yourself in a state when you've become what you've always dreamed of.
3. Create a timeline of daily plans towards that goal.
This is almost the same with tip number one, visual representations. But this time, it's about making a detailed schedule of what you plan to do to achieve that goal. If you're wanting to start a blog, do you allot at least a few hours a day to write a possible post? Or if you're achieving that summer bod, do you need to exercise for at least thirty minutes a day?
Be specific with what you want to do and be realistic about it.
4. Start SMART and start now!
You've probably heard about the SMART of goal-making. You need to set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. Creating goals with these five things in mind can you help you work better and more efficiently.
Most of all, if you're asking yourself when you should start working towards these goals, the answer is NOW (not other weeks), that was a poor pun right there. Haha! But we should all keep in mind that being stuck at home is not the obstacle to achieving that 2020 we were dreaming of. Being stuck at home is actually the first step to reaching our goals.
So, start now and by the end of this lockdown, you are very ready to set out your ship and sail to 2020 greatness!