It’s a new year and whether you like it or not, EVERYONE uses this time as an excuse to set new goals. It’s one thing to “set” a goal, but how do we implement it? How do we not only HIT it but KNOCK it out the park?

Derived from the book “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, here are 6 simple steps you can follow to make sure you SMASH your goals this year 💥

1️⃣ FIX YOUR MINDSET

Be extremely clear on what you want. Then write it down. Make sure that it is measurable, realistic and attainable.

2️⃣ WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO GIVE UP?

List out the things you are willing to give up to achieve these goals. What makes people lack the motivation to pursue their goals is not being able to take the necessary action.

For example, “In 2020 I want to lose 10kg, but the only time I can go to the gym is at 5am in the morning and I’m not willing to lose sleep for that.”

Action produces results. You should be committed to giving up whatever it takes to reach that goal.

3️⃣ ESTABLISH A DEADLINE

Be successful in a timely manner. Deadlines are effective as they make your goals more manageable and achievable. “Your only limitation is the one you set up in your own mind”.

4️⃣ CREATE A PLAN

Get the plan out of your head and onto a piece of paper. This will keep you more liable for the steps and action you have to do.

5️⃣ WRITE A CLEAR AND CONCISE STATEMENT

Write a statement about 3-4 sentences long. It should go something like this … I WANT TO DO [….] BEFORE [date] >> IN ORDER TO DO THIS I HAVE TO [….]

6️⃣ RE-READ YOUR STATEMENT

Write down your statement and stick it on your bathroom mirror. Re-read your statement everyday to keep your goal alive.

One of the most frequent questions I get asked as a freelancer is “how do you stay motivated working for yourself?”

It might sound strange to some people but I actually have more motivation working for myself than I did working in a busy studio. Knowing that I am representing my brand and that the work I do reflects directly on that brand is incredibly motivating. There’s no room to slack off or do an okay job when your reputation is on the line!

However, there as been a few things I’ve learnt along the way that help keep me alert, organised and motivated as a solo worker.

Coffee, coffee and more coffee: I know, it sounds cliché. But good coffee is the signal to my brain that it’s time to get fired up and work. I recently invested in a fantastic coffee machine so I don’t get distracted from my work by running out to the local café!
Water! Something has to balance out all that coffee and in the humidity of Darwin and in air conditioning all day, it’s really easy to get dehydrated. Our brains need water to function.
Eating a healthy balanced diet. I am always prepared with lunch and snacks to make sure I can keep my energy levels high. I find that if I don’t have heavy carbs before lunch I can avoid wanting to nap under my desk all afternoon.
Exercise! I have to go to the gym in the mornings before I can do any work. If I miss a session, it makes me more tired and less motivated to do anything! Plus, all that blood pumping around the body is great for the brain and helps counteract the negative effects of sitting all day. True story!
Focus on one thing at a time. Sometimes when that deadline is approaching and I am super focussed on the task ahead, I have to put my phone on silent, close my email program and just get to work. It’s too easy to get distracted and be completely unproductive with all those notifications!
Making time for self-care. Self-care isn’t just about expensive massages and pedicures, self-care can be as simple as stopping to get some fresh air or finishing work early one day to spend some time with a friend. It’s important to take those breaks and switch off. It’s also something to look forward to when I’m buried in my to-do list!
Practicing gratitude. It only takes a few seconds a day but every day I remind myself how grateful I am to be working for myself doing something I love and helping other businesses. Every deadline is someone asking for my help and I am grateful I get to do it!

HOW TO HIT YOUR GOAL FOR 2020