The Bucket List

Since January is closely coming to an end I figured a post on goal setting, new year’s resolutions, and new beginnings would be a great topic to not only end off the month but to transition my thoughts and writing into the blogging world.

Every year we set goals in all corners of life; whether it be to lose some weight, travel, apply for a new job or just become better people; new years resolutions are always made but are they always kept? Over the past few years from transitioning to post secondary education and living independently I have had great experience in setting goals and achieving most of them. In short, accountability and support are the two true components needed for you to kick-start the New Year off with some achievable goals.

C’est La Vie

Goals are meant to be achieved, however, certain things get in the way from time to time as all rational people realize this, that’s just the way it is. That’s life. We must learn to move past the resentment we sometimes hold against ourselves from slipping up time to time. If we take a few steps backwards lets remember to learn from this mistake and move forward, not dwell on the unchangeable past.

This morning I had planned to wake up at 7:30 in order to do an assignment and fit a quick workout in before I headed off to school. But I decided to hit snooze at least four times before I staggered out of bed around 8:45. I missed the chance to workout, was in a rush to get to class, and did a shady job on an assignment due. Okay, we get it, we need to get up earlier is what your all thinking. Not at all.

You see I couldn’t keep my goal of waking up at 7:30 in which I had planned the night before which spiraled into a domino effect of missing my workout, possibly decreasing my GPA and starting the day off with some bad vibes, all because I wasn’t accountable to myself.

Small changes can lead to big outcomes. The ladder sentence translates across many different components in life. When setting goals we must realize that small changes and promises we break to ourselves can lead to additional failures in different areas of life. Goal setting is pointless without execution, accountability and passion to meet and exceed those goals. How can we expect to set immense goals like obtaining that new job promotion, toned abs or a new truck if we can’t focus on the small and simple tasks which indirectly relate to the way we go about achieving these superior goals.

Below are some tips to help you become not only more accountable to yourself but to your friends, family, coach, boss, or your workout partner.

Accountability

Accountability is simple yet complex. Accountability refers to taking responsibility for your decisions. It involves a plan to keep you on track. I always like putting my plans in writing instead of just having them floating around in my brain (not accomplishing much up there). Create a paper document of your goals and a plan on how you’re going to achieve them. Hang it somewhere where you will see it a few times a day such as: your room, bathroom, living room or inside the front door. Personally I have all my paper trail of goals above my desk. It is important to review your progress and set new goals when deemed necessary.

Take Action

There should not be a day that goes by when you are not doing or thinking about something that will bring you closer to achieving your goals. Small or big goals it doesn’t matter, staying on track will keep you in line with success.

Bring Others Into Your Journey

By setting goals not only are you holding yourself accountable but also you hold others accountable. Share your goals with friends, loved ones or your favourite Tim Horton’s employee. This will give you positive support when you may need it the most while trying to achieve your goals. With another human on board, they will also take time and effort in order to see how you are progressing -  don’t let them down.

You can also express your goals publically through social media, large family gatherings, or public Internet forums. Although it may seem weird to express goals and aspirations to complete strangers, you may be surprised when you open up to someone and hear of similar or interesting goals.

Personally, I have a friend from another province in which I share goals and plans with. We work hard in order to fulfill our own goals but to be there for our supporters as they are there for us. To be supportive of others goal achievements can be as simple as a few conversations a week or a text here and there. Although there is no monetary reward for your friend who cuts that stubborn smoking habit, the human feelings and emotions gained are invaluable from your support.

Bucket Lists

Make bucket lists to help achieve goals (and to think about the endless possibilities in the world). I suggest having a short-term yearly bucket list and a long-term life accomplishment bucket list. Both serve different yet important purposes in goal setting. Short-term bucket lists are good for smaller goals as genuine bucket lists are good for your longer-term goals and your wildest dreams; the sky is the limit. What are you waiting for; make a paper copy of your bucket lists now!

As you judge my bucket lists, please realize I am a travel and concert nut and have never been skiing (so sad).

Memento Mori

The above means “remember that you will die” and the below paragraph may scare the hell out of you. I found an amazing tool to help us all with our goal setting and outlook on life in general. The “Memento Mori” is a tool I discovered through a fellow blog and fitness program known as “Scrawny to Brawny”. Basically it is a piece of paper divided into many blocks, specifically 80 tall by 52 wide.

You put your date of birth in the top left corner; then add 80 years to your date of birth and put that date in the bottom right corner. How to use: fill in one box per week. I posted my Memento Mori below.

As you see my age of 22 almost fills 1/3 of a lifetime. When you see your age not as a number but as a direct visual representation for the first time it can be frightening and enlightening. Use this tool to help you set more breathtaking goals and to live a more exhilarating life. Get your Memento Mori here - click here

Use these tips to improve your goal setting and live life one block at a time.

What to do next?

1)   Set new goals

2)   Become accountable (through a friend, family or publically)

3)   Make bucket lists

4)   Print and start a Memento Mori

Until next time,

Cheers

Mason