Happy March Forth!

A few years ago I read an article about a family who celebrates March 4th every year by setting goals.  There was a cute picture of a mom, dad, daughter and son seated on the grass with the words "March Forth!" written across the soles of their deliciously bare feet.  That image has always stuck in my mind, as well as the idea.  I think it's perfect.

Spring is right around the corner.  The crocus, daffodils, and tulips in my yard are all convinced that it is well upon us as they poke their green fingers above the snow-dusted soil.  Half of me wants to push them back down to protect them from the lingering frost, but the other half is jumping for joy and cheering them on!  This is the perfect time for new beginnings.  This year has been my very best at setting and keeping my New Year's resolutions, but even with all the fire I had, this past week I have definitely felt the fizzle, and I'm ready for a renewal.

So in honor of March Forth, I will share a few pointers I've picked up about goal setting:

1. Don't try to do everything at once!  When we sit down to evaluate what to change, we are often flooded with a whole list of areas that need improvement.  Start by picking a few, and keep a "goal bank" for all the rest.  As you complete a goal, pull out another one.  If you think of another goal you want to do, log it in the bank and be at peace knowing you have record of it.

2. Break your goal into pieces.  Big goals especially need to be broken into little tasks.  Write down your plan and set deadlines for each part.

3. Keep records and use charts.  Have something you can check off.  Make check boxes next to the steps of your goal.  If you're developing a new habit, it's recommended that you practice it for 3 weeks before considering it "mastered."  So make a chart with 21 boxes to check off each day.  You'll feel great about yourself as you progress, and you'll even have the documents to prove it when you're done!

4. Keep a reminder of your goals in a place you will see every day.  Whether it be a post-it on the mirror, a 3x5 card next to your bed, or on the bookmark of your day planner, whatever fits into your routine.  Just make sure you have it in front of your face every day.

5. Ask for help.  Let the people around you know what you are trying to accomplish and welcome their help if you need it.  Most importantly, as a person of faith, I believe in asking God for help.  He wants us to improve and accomplish great things anyway, so of course He is eager to assist us in achieving our  worthy goals.  Be sure to involve Him.

Go get 'em, tigers!