For this edition we will be discussing stagnation in our personal growth.
Remember the definition: Being stagnantmeans having stopped, as by ceasing to run or flow; failure to develop, progress, or advance. The state or quality of being or feeling sluggish and/or dull.
At the beginning of the year – most of us make “New Year’s Resolutions” or set goals. I personally set goals, make a vision board and set an action plan on how to attain those goals. The important thing is not to lose momentum. Things happen! We face obstacles and challenges that may cause stagnation in our personal growth. This blog post is to assist in the area of personal growth and how to eliminate stagnation in personal growth.
Set Goals & Action Plan – It is important not only to set goals, but the steps to attain the goals. For example, if my goal is weight loss it should look something like this:
- Goal: Lose 20 pounds in 2016 and keep it off
- Action Steps: Walk/Run 3-4 times a week, Gym 2-3 times a week, Eat Clean, Get a trainer
From there you can go into more depth of what your workout and meals will look like and any other items needed to ensure you are a success. The key thing is to set the goal and detailed steps on how you will achieve it.
Create a Vision Board – Vision boards have definitely gained popularity over the past couple of years. Personally at the beginning of the year I complete a fast ranging from 1-21 days, ask God for direction, write out my goals and make a vision board. It is important that you allow God to guide you as you writing your goals and making your vision board. Seek Him FIRST!
Vision boards are a fun and creative way to make the goal real. This visual aid allows all your goals to come alive and creates excitement.
Keep it Visible – Whether you make a vision board or simply write out your goals –make sure it is always visible. Keep the written format in your agenda, take a picture of your vision board to keep on your phone, or you keep your goals hanging up on the fridge. Do whatever it takes to keep your goals in your view. You want to be sure your goals are something that you can see on a daily or even weekly basis. This will keep you motivated.
Accountability – Accountability has come up several times when dealing with stagnation. When you have an accountability partner , they will keep you in line and remind you of your goals and why you started. A [good] accountability partner is able to “check you” if you are fall off track. Don’t always allow your accountability partner to be someone who is easy on you.
Revisit/Check-In – Make it a point to revisit the goals you have set and note the progress. Put it in your calendar to check it once a month. Even when you have an accountability partner, make sure you keep yourself accountable by checking on your progress.
Make Adjustments – At times we set unrealistic goals, and need to make adjustments. Don’t be so hard on yourself! If losing 20-30 pounds was unrealistic, start with 10 pounds.
There are times you don’t have to change the goal, but the action steps. Don’t feel bad. The main thing is to remain focused.
Short-term vs. Long-term – This is something we learned in our early years of life; the difference between short-term and long-term goals. You may need to make short-term goals that will help you accomplish your long-term goals. For example, if your goal is to obtain your degree … the short-term goal would be to take all the necessary examinations to apply, next apply for the school and then enroll. The long –term goal will always remain “obtain degree” but you may need to break it down.
Be realistic – Don’t overwhelm yourself. Your goals must be realistic. If you don’t make realistic goals you will get discouraged and give up. Setting lofty goals can lead to feeling like a failure. Set goals that are realistic and obtainable. For example, it isn’t realistic for me to say I’ll save half of my salary when my expenses are more than half of my salary. A realistic goal would be saving $1000-2000 a month.
Remember, the best way to deal with stagnation is to make sure your goals are S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable/Achievable, Realistic, Time-Based).
The first six months of the year is gone. Let’s make the next six months AWESOME.
Until next time, let’s work on achieving our personal goals.
For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.
