Self-direction grows out of self-compassion. Once you, your child, or your teen start to recognize your true worth and begin to develop realistic self-talk, you can start to gain self-direction by utilizing a structured approach to setting and achieving goals.
Oftentimes, we fail to achieve our goals because our goals are unclear and unrealistic. The first step in identifying realistic goals involves making a list of what you want to do with your talents or the abilities you want to develop.
During this part of the process set your imagination free, and write down everything you want to achieve. When setting goals, it may be helpful to use these questions about your mind, body, heart, and spirit to get started.
Mind
As you consider developing your mind, think about what you want to learn and accomplish.
-
What have you always wanted to learn?
-
What new task do want to learn how to do?
-
What new information are you excited to learn?
-
What do you want to accomplish at school this year?
-
What do you want to accomplish at work this year?
-
What are your continuing education goals?
Heart
As you consider who and what you love in life, ask yourself these questions.
-
How do you want to improve your relationships with others?
-
How do you want to improve your family life?
-
What values do you want to substitute for urges/impulses?
-
What financial goals do you want to achieve?
Body
As you consider goals for your health and well-being, ask yourself these questions.
-
What are your fitness goals?
-
What health issues have you been putting off and need to address?
-
What eating habits do you want to change?
-
What type of exercise are you excited to try?
Spirit
It’s important to invest in your spirit too! Consider these questions.
-
What are your spiritual goals?
-
What are you inspired to do?
-
How can you change “What if?” to “What is!”?
-
What can you inspire others to do this year?
What’s Next?
Open your mind to identify all of your heart’s desires. After completing your list of what you want in life, let it sit for at least 26 hours before moving on to clarifying your goals.
Need help applying these concepts?
Contact us to make an appointment. Dr. Davenport is happy to help you or your student start to set and achieve your goals.
(c) 2009-2019, Monte W. Davenport, Ph.D.
Adapted from LD Kids Can! ©1993, Monte Davenport.
Excerpt from the I Can! Achievers Course ©1989 used with the written permission of the author and publisher.
PLEASE SIGN IN OR REGISTER AS A "MY LIFE SOLUTIONS" MEMBER TO READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE. Joining "My Life Solutions" is free and your privacy is protected! New members may register by scrolling down and entering the requested information. Membership gives you full access to all of our blog articles and downloadable tools. Plus you will receive our exclusive newsletter containing additional tools and articles of interest. Read our "Terms of Use" and "Privacy Practices" for additional information.