Senior doesn’t mean surrender

Step up by setting goals

It is never too late in life to have goals. They give life meaning and purpose and having goals show that you value yourself.

First you need clear goals and then you need to get specific. That is because any manifestation of what we want requires action on our part. Being more positive and putting out what you want to others will help. Staying focused will help too.

As you focus on your goal you are mentally more open to notice opportunities that fit with the image of what you want your life to be like.

People will appear to help you. The manifestation of your goal requires caring enough about that goal to gather information about it. Then look at pros and cons and make an informed decision on a course of action. Often the action is the hardest part for many people.

Look at your life and think about what it is you really want. Where are you stuck and where do you want to become unstuck? Do you want to kick a bad habit? Get out of an abusive relationship? Get a better work/life balance? Learn how to calm your nervous system? Move to a new place to live? Make more friends? Save to go on a holiday?

Be clear on what you want and then narrow it down to micro steps.

Setting micro steps

You can set smaller steps by just asking yourself what you can do this week to break the goal you have decided on down into manageable tasks.

For example, if your goal is to get fitter you may start by looking at what type of exercise you might like to do? Are you going to walk with a friend, join a gym, download a Pilates app or try chair yoga? Once you get clearer after gathering information then work out what you can do today. Let’s say you want to start a regular walking routine, can you look up the price of comfortable walking shoes or phone a friend you may walk with?

By the end of the week the step may be to organise which days you may walk and how far. How will you motivate yourself? Will you leave your walking gear beside your bed for the morning or near the door for when you get home from work, so you get yourself out the door again straight away? If you are retired what time of day is best for you to walk? Maybe you will walk around the block to start with and aim to walk a short fun run in a few weeks’ time.

Think about what achieving your goal will mean for you, so what will getting fit mean to you? Will it mean your clothes will fit better or that you will sleep better? Will it mean you can do more during the day as you get stronger muscles? The most important reason may be to keep up with grandkids and set a good example to them. Attaching meaning to what you want helps you get there.

As you achieve small goals you build momentum and confidence. You also need the right mindset and surround yourself with encouraging people. Give yourself a pat on the back but allow compassion for slip ups too. Motivation starts to come as you do the activity, so don’t wait for motivation to just appear for you to start – you need to get started first, then motivation appears. Focus on how good you will feel after you tick off each micro step along the way.

Written by Susan Christoffelsz