Every once and a while, I like to write you a message just to remind you of your vision. Life gets busy and disappointments sometimes knock you off course, but it is essential to glance up from where you are so that you can see where you are headed. We are now more than one-fourth through the year. Are you on track so far this year? Or is it time to refocus on the vision you set a few months ago?
Sometimes, you can be on track in one area but off course in another. Perhaps you are on track in your relationships, but your professional life is stagnant? Or maybe your finances are now in order, but it's time to get healthier? Whatever the case, this week is a good time to notice where you are and do one of three things:
1. Acknowledge your progress.
It's important to notice your milestones as you pass them and celebrate them along the way. Reflect for a moment on your progress and find a meaningful way to celebrate it.
2. Adjust your course with short-term goals.
Set specific, compelling goals that are aligned with your vision and have a short-term deadline. I have found it helpful over the years to set goals for each quarter of the year in each area of my life - work, relationships, finances, health and spiritual life. What short-term goals could you set for the next 90 days? Perhaps there is a credit card to be paid off by June 30th or a trip you want to take by then. It will be easy to measure and short enough to keep you focused.
3. Clarify your vision.
If your vision is still not exciting or purposeful enough to pull you forward naturally, then it's time to reconsider it. As time passes, a vision will fade into the background if you don't intentionally keep it at the forefront of your everyday life. Write your vision in vivid detail and keep it in places where you will see it daily - your closet, a desk drawer you regularly open, or your wallet, for example.
Keep your eye on the steps in front of you, so you can avoid pitfalls and obstacles along the way. But remember to glance up at your destination regularly so that you don't lose sight of where you are headed.
My challenge to you this week:
By June 30th - the end of the second quarter - what is the most important goal you'd like to accomplish that will move you closer to your overall vision?
Journaling assignment:
What progress are you most proud of so far this year? Based on your 90-day goal, what milestones will you need to reach this month and next? How will this move you closer to your vision? What is your vision?
