Goals | Timeline

Q. Can you speak to the importance of creating a timeline for setting goals? And how specific should this timeline be?

A. Consider a timeline the road map to your goal. Imagine punching in your goal into a navigation system. The system shows you a way to get from Point A to Point B. You get started and along the way you run into some detours due to road blocks or construction, you even hit traffic that slows you down, but eventually you get to your final destination. This is the same when it comes to accomplishing your goals. Unexpected circumstances happen where 'life' can get in the way and you just reset your path but never lose focus of your goal.

The more specific the timeline, the better. Details keep you accountable. Most importantly make sure the timeline for accomplishing the goal is attainable. Just make sure that you are flexible along the way. For example, your goal is to loose 10 pounds in 4 weeks, which is definitely doable. You start your program and then something unexpected happens like a special event or personal situation that causes you to get off track. That's ok. Just 'reset' the timeline and jump back on the program. You see...your goal never changes...just the timeline. But that timeline is always going to give that end point to shoot for. Your timeline is your anchor. Without a timeline you are just moving with no clear direction.