The Self-Care Secret? Intentional Goal-Planning 🤫

Self-care is a hot topic right now. Whether it’s on TV, social media, or the topic of discussion in groups of people, it’s something that everybody is talking about. 🗣️ It’s something we all need. Do we really know what it is & if there’s a self-care secret everyone is hiding? There is, & it starts with goal-planning.

     Intentional is all about self-care. Our mission is to make sure the world knows about the importance of prioritizing self-care. 🥰 We want to educate people on the various parts of self-care, not just focusing on the physical & mental. So this week we’re talking about how goal-planning is just as much of an important part of self-care as any other part. Let’s get into it, shall we?

What’s The Big Deal About Goal-Planning? 🤔

Goal-planning is something we all do, whether it’s on purpose or not. We set goals to level up in life. 📈 We set them when we want to change. We set them when we feel like they’re necessary. And sometimes we set them without even knowing we’re doing it. Regardless of the way that they come about, goals are necessary for our growth.

     I set goals every year on New Year’s Day. Most of the time I’ve dropped the ball by February. It’s much easier to set a goal than to actually accomplish it. I get disillusioned & think that I can just decide I’m going to do something & accomplish it without a plan. So not true! 🚫 To be effective, you have to have a plan. Without it, it’s like going on a trip to an unknown place without directions. You might be running in circles for hours & not even know it. Definitely not the best use of your time or energy.

     If you want more, you have to do more. Like they say, “change is constant,” & in order to have change you have to do something different. 💯 That’s the whole point of goal-planning. We’re made to evolve. We’re made to grow. So we need a blueprint to execute & master that task. There’s a method to the madness, & I’ve got the secret to making the journey a little bit easier.

The Secret of Effective Goal-Planning🤫 

Most of the time, we don’t think about the fact that there is a way to master our goals every single time. That way takes strategy. It takes discipline. It takes drive. We all have what it takes; we just need to buckle down, focus, & set things in motion. 📋

     I’ll let you in on a little secret. There’s a recipe that makes achieving goals foolproof & less of a challenge. Here you go:

• Start with an idea 💡: This is the most important part of goal-planning. It’s what you focus on. It’s why you keep moving. It’s the prize you’re trying to win. You just have to want it bad enough.
• Be specific 👆🏽: For a goal to work, you have to know exactly what you’re striving for. You can’t be vague if you really want to accomplish what you have in mind. Break it down into as simple of a form as possible. Make sure you describe it to a T.
• Make it measurable 📏: If you really want to accomplish something, you have to know whether you are making progress. In order to do that, you have to track your progress step-by-step to see how far you’ve come.
• It’s got to be achievable or attainable 🏆: You can’t set the bar too high. Who wants to be stressed out trying to make progress? Nobody has time for that! Your goals have to be something you’re able to reach with some effort. Just enough to go hard in the paint but not kill yourself.
• Realistic & relevant are the only way to go 💎: Reach for the stars, but don’t shoot too far into the galaxy. You have to make sure your goals are something that you can actually achieve. Make it a challenge but not impossible.
• Must be time-specific ⏳: Time is of the essence, so make sure you set a time limit. A deadline helps to hold you accountable. Accountability is key to meeting & exceeding your goals. Put the pressure on yourself to beat the clock.

Putting Goal-Planning in Play ▶️

With this recipe, you’re sure to at least have a plan to work towards achieving a goal. 👩🏽‍🍳Breaking them down into more specific parts is helpful for many people, & since it’s worked before, we have nothing to lose by trying it again. 

     I’m tying up some of my 2024 goals & getting ready to revise those that I haven’t accomplished this year. Using the SMART goal method has helped keep me focused & with holding myself more accountable. It’s been easier to pivot now instead of quitting all together. 🚶🏽‍♀️ I reward myself with each step I take towards completing the goal. This method is way more effective for me than just setting a goal & going for it. 

     Since the method has worked so well for me, it was essential to incorporate it into Intentional Products. Our planners have the actual SMART method listed in them. The format & instructions help to guide you through the goal-planning process. The journals have a short version of SMART goals, but the format isn’t included. There is space for up to 3 daily goals, which could be steps to achieving goals. Definitely 2 tools needed to conquer your goals!

     As we prepare to head into a new year, we also need to prepare to put our self-care first. Make it a goal to put it at the top of your list for 2025. ☑️ Snag an Intentional Planner or Journal so we can start the new year off focused & keep each other motivated. We’re better together! 💪🏽