The Power Couple Time & Execution; make your goals actionable steps.

Time; it is the element which heals all things, changes all things, it can be illusive and often escapes us when we are not looking. Time is the element one often does not consider when embarking upon a new goal. 

Execution is his partner, time is useless without her. She  makes things happen, he is the one who allows her the space to do it. How do you like that for a Power-couple relationship analogy? Fun.

If I had a dime for every meme I've seen talking about habits being formed in 66 days, changes being made in a month, and full blown evidence of following a regime in 90 days (this is particularly true in the fitness world, 12 weeks is the magic number for physical change), I would never have to work another day in my life... I would... but I wouldn't have to.

These are measures of time. Within the measures of time, we must have action or execution or the time is meaningless, and the goal will not be accomplished. And it is in that day to execution we find #excuses (if #execution is my favorite work, excuses is my least, another relationship analogy).

Most of the time what happens is we over estimate our realistic capability in execution and then end up wasting time, making those excuses, and giving up. In other words, on the way to that big goal, we get overwhelmed because we haven't realistically, taken the time plan small actionable goals to #execute.

Aren't they cute together? Mr. Time and Mrs. Execution, just love that.

Here are some steps which have helped me manage my Time-Execution relationship to accomplish my goals (those which I have, and those which are still works in progress).

It's  very important to have a very specific picture of your END GOAL : Life coaches or career coaches might call this your "Super Goal", this is where you see your life when all is said and done (refer to my tropical waterfall picture, and I'll explain further).

I love using creative visualization for this. It's proven effective, Oprah, Tiger Woods and Bill Gates, for example have all used creative visualization for clarity on their Super Goals, and I'd say they make a pretty good case for why you should try it.

Sit in a quiet room, close your eyes and focus on your breath, then see yourself in a place you love or would love to be, see yourself with the body you dream of, and the people you enjoy being with, having a good time. You may also see yourself doing the work you dream of doing professionally. Create the space you'd like to be in when your goals have been accomplished.

 It's super fun once you get the hang of it. And the sky is the limit, it's your visualization! A waterfall in Hawaii or a beach house with an outdoor Jacuzzi  in like La Jolla, CA always works for me, or being surrounded by screens with lots of people all over the world working out with me, in the home which has an outdoor Jacuzzi.  You can certainly have more than one, however, it is best if they all relate to each other somehow, and work on one at a time.

Now grab a pen and note pad and write that dream down! Put it where you can see it often. You might print a picture off the internet, whatever speaks to you. Remember nothing is too trite, it is YOUR imagination. 

Next, within the course of each day, write ACTIONABLE steps you can take to move you towards your END GOAL. I like 3, it's a manageable number.

Make sure you go back and check your goals as you accomplish them, it's important for your psyche to see the progress you are making. 

Finally, stay organized, it will help you stay disciplined. Make sure your list is clear, and close by (I carry it with me in my "work sac" so I can check it right away). 

For example: "Go to the gym 3 times this week" is not clear enough- it's an idea, a thought without clear steps within: 1. Monday, upper body circuits 2. Wednesday Kick boxing class 3. Friday, lower body circuits, is much more actionable.

Whenever I sit with a new client, or group, this is the way we begin. Small, manageable, ACTIONABLE goals, which have a clear Time- Execution relationship element.

Our fitness goals are merely what we want to create our minds and bodies to be and look like, we need Time and Execution to get to them. Take these steps each day, and I promise you will be well on your way to wherever your waterfall or Jacuzzi maybe.

Peace and Love,

Anna