Week 5: Self-care and new challenge

“The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that our aim is too low and we reach it.” — Michelangelo.

Imagine that we had to travel a long journey, say from Ballincollig to Belfast, we would not just sit into the car and start driving in any direction – we would plan the route, think about what to pack to take with us, have an idea about where to stop off to get fuel etc.   With life, having a well thought-out plan is also beneficial – to know where we are going, with whom and what we would like to do along the way. 

To help with positive mental wellbeing and to keep us focused on our future, it is very beneficial and worthwhile to make a list of goals.  

Setting goals is a tool that helps us maintain focus on what is important in our lives. We all have something that we would like to change or to do.  Goals help improve our health and wellbeing, foster positive relationships with friends, family or work colleagues and help us feel that we are in control (because we are in the driver’s seat) and that we are getting the most out of life.   

Because goals can vary from being short term (shopping list) to lifetime goals (career or education) setting goals helps us to remain focused and goal-orientated. 

Set realistic attainable goals.  Setting the goal of winning the lottery for example is not realistic.  If we are not inclined to regularly exercise then setting the goal of becoming an Olympian is highly unattainable. Goals should be something that you consider to be within your power, achievable and realistic.   

Instead of setting the goal that to run a marathon, we might instead set the goal of going for a brisk walk every second day. 

Goals are important because they give us the direction to make positive changes in our lives.  I am not saying that we should not be happy with our lives right now but in my experience planning through goal-setting is beneficial.  

Ask yourself what you would like to achieve.  Be specific.  Think of changes that you would like to make or something you wish to attain.  I may have a goal to declutter my bedroom and you may have a goal to start your own company. 

Goals are self-challenges – we need them to work for us – so set goals that are neither too easy nor too demanding.  If we set goals that are too difficult it can be very discouraging for us and make us feel like we have failed.

Challenge: Set yourself three goals and write them down.  Writing is beneficial as it helps crystallise your thinking around goals.  Be very precise and set yourself dates, times, amounts and a time-frame in relation to each goal because this will help you monitor your achievements.  

Be as specific as you possibly can and give yourself enough time in which to achieve your goal. 

Once you have set your goals, constantly monitor your progress. Regularly review and update your goals, adding to your list as you progress.  You can expand from short term goals to a list of one month / six months / one year / two years etc. 

We cannot control every eventuality and life can get in the way of us achieving our goals. Reappraise and adjust goals as life dictates.

When you achieve a goal, reward yourself and acknowledge your achievement and praise yourself for how well you have done. 

Your list of goals is endless and profoundly personal.  Keep motivated. Setting goals promotes long term vision and is a worthwhile investment in your future.

                  – Caroline Crotty, GROW Mental Health Recovery Area Co-ordinator