Happy Sunday my GOLDEN friend !

Now that January 2024 is well underway, I am back for another year of emails designed with YOU in mind! I hope you’ve had a wonderful Christmas and New Year season, and that you are ready to make this year a transformational year!

If you’re like me, you’ve probably already fallen way behind on your New Year goals.

Now, over the years I’ve eliminated lofty goals from my repertoire because I know myself all too well. I am easily overwhelmed by them.

I really work best with small bites and short deadlines.

Be that as it may, this year I bit off a huge one, with no clear deadline in sight. I am finally embarking on that novel that’s been lurking in my mind for over two years!

HUGE GOAL!

NO DEADLINE!

This is a recipe for failure.

No problem, I thought. I will give myself a goal of 1,000 words/day with a short deadline of finishing a first draft by April!

This worked for exactly one week.

Then life got in the way, as it does. After I missed one day of writing, I imploded and wrote absolutely nothing for the next week.

Are you in the same boat as me? Have a goal that important to you but struggle to make it happen? You’re in good company: 

Researchers suggest that only 9% of Americans that make resolutions complete them. In fact, research goes on to show that 23% of people quit their resolution by the end of the first week, and 43% quit by the end of January.  

I felt like giving up altogether when I remembered a secret that’s worked for me before: Start Smaller.

That’s right: Even smaller steps than the small steps I started with…but with more accountability.

I wondered too, if my favorite acronym GOLD would help me create and stick to this plan, and guess what?? It does.

Here’s how:

Give yourself permission to have smaller goals. Big goals are great—when they work. Smaller goals that are achievable provide quicker “wins” and valuable momentum!

Accept that your life “is what it is” right now. This past year has been incredibly stressful for me. Moving my parents here, and all that it entailed, has taken an unexpected toll on my mental well-being.

This is my reality, and it alters what I can do each day. How about you? Are you able to own your present life and adjust your goals accordingly?

If all goals were easy, we wouldn’t need them. Leaning into a challenge is good for us mentally, physically, and emotionally. Leaning in to your smaller goal means deciding “when and how” you can make it happen.

Get specific: 

Write out your goal. 

Decide on a game plan. 

Record your progress.

This is where assigning a deadline for “delivery” comes in. It’s your “Ship It” date! A goal is simply wishful thinking if we never get around to finishing what we started.

That’s why successfully delivering on a smaller goal is better than failing on a big goal. A completed goal reminds you that you are indeed capable and smart—a winner!

Now, here’s my question to you.

Would you be interested in participating in a private zoom or Facebook group as a way of creating some (friendly) accountability? 

Here is a quick questionnaire so I can gather your responses.

If there is enough interest, I will be happy to set up a couple of meet-ups for us. I want and need accountability…and if that’s something you’d like too, then let’s try it!

I’m talking about a free group — maybe 2-3 meet-ups as a way of encouraging each other.

Remember, I’m in your corner. I believe in you! Let’s start smaller, and win bigger.

With love, 

PS My new goal is 300-500 words/day (avg 2000 per week), and to record my progress each day. First draft by July 1.

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