I decided to ease into the new year slowly, and it feels incredible. I released rigidity and my tendency to overwhelm myself with intense vision boards, goals, and resolutions. Instead, I took a spontaneous vacation with my honey, purchasing our flights the day of departure, and allowed myself the freedom to flow.
This has inspired me to depart from the stringency of S.M.A.R.T Goals and focus on S.L.O.W Goals. This approach is more aligned with my refreshed personal core values of Freedom, Health, and Integrity.
Here are some strategies to support in slowing down to accelerate your healing and wellbeing.
S.L.O.W Goals
Simple, Sweet, and Savory
Goals can be good. They don’t have to be hard, stressful, or anxiety inducing. Think of the way you like your food. When it is overcooked, overly seasoned it, or lacking in flavor, it is an unpleasant undertaking. When food is fresh, whole, and we can enjoy the natural flavor, it makes for a far more enjoyable experience. This year I invite you to reframe your view of goals from feeling like more work, to being fun, exciting, and something that you can look forward to, just like your favorite meal or snack.
When you think of it through that lens, what comes to mind?
Loving
If your goals are health related, consider what might it look like to move or eat in a way that is loving to your body. Also, goals don’t always have to be about adding something more or new to what may already feel like an overwhelming schedule. They may require reflecting on what needs to be released. I used to feel like I had to get the point of being fed up or ready to fight in order to release things that no longer served me. Now I believe that we can release things with love.
What is the loving choice for your wellbeing? Who or who is it time for you to release with love?
One
In the spirit of being simple and loving to yourself as you set goals, start with just one. When I support my coaching clients I have them end each session with no more than three goals to decrease overwhelm. Just as advancements in technology have led to a decrease in our attention spans, perhaps it’s time to readjust what we require of ourselves. Focus on that one thing and after you accomplish it pause to celebrate and rest before moving on to the next thing.
When you think about what’s most important to you right now, which one goal is most aligned for you to focus on first?
Wee Wins
Small wins build momentum. My one tiny loving goal this quarter is to go to the dentist. While it may seem like an easy and normal thing, I’m certain I’m not alone when I confess that as givers, leaders, and healers we tend to pour the majority of our energy into others causing us to forget or put off the simple acts of necessary care for ourselves. The ‘W’ in S.L.O.W can also stand for ‘We’ Wins. Accountability may be the very catalyst we need to accomplish the important things that we must do for ourselves. Getting a workout buddy and returning to therapy where the two greatest gifts I’ve given myself in a long time.
What is one small win that will jumpstart the direction you desire for your life, and who can hold you accountable?
Releasing the habit of creating complex and complicated goals can be challenging. If you need some additional accountability and support, feel free to schedule a session with me or join me for one of my upcoming events.
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