May 2023 ~ Pub Note

GOALS + CALENDAR = SUCCESS

By Kristin Lunsford

Setting goals is an essential part of personal and professional growth. Whether it’s losing weight, launching a business, or learning a new skill, having a clear goal gives you direction and motivation to strive towards success. However, achieving these goals requires more than just wishful thinking. Setting goals is just the first step; the real challenge lies in taking consistent action towards achieving them.

The last couple of years I have utilized a “One Sheet” for goal-setting. (If you want to know more about what this is, reach out and I’d love to share it with you.) At the end of the One Sheet, it asks what needs to happen to accomplish the goals you put on there. My answer right away was to schedule things and put things down on the calendar. A few days later, I was attending a business conference and the presenter asked a similar question, and my answer, along with many others in attendance, agreed that utilizing a calendar more efficiently is likely the pathway to reaching our goals.

Many people underestimate the power of a well-planned calendar in achieving their goals. A calendar is not just a tool for tracking appointments and meetings; it’s a way to manage your time and priorities. By integrating your goals into your calendar and scheduling specific actions, you can create a roadmap to success. Here are some key ways I’ve learned that a calendar and scheduling can help you achieve your goals.

1. Provides Structure and Organization: When you set a goal, it’s important to break it down into smaller, actionable steps. A calendar can help you structure these steps and schedule them over time. You can block off time on your calendar for each task or milestone related to your goal, creating a clear plan of action. This way, you can stay organized and focused on what needs to be done, instead of feeling overwhelmed by a vague goal.

2. Creates Accountability: Scheduling your goals and tasks on a calendar creates a sense of accountability. When you assign a specific time and date for a task,

you’re more likely to follow through and complete it. It helps you avoid procrastination and encourages you to take action when you see the deadlines approaching on your calendar. It also allows you to track your progress and make adjustments to stay on track.

3. Maximizes Time Management: Time is a precious resource, and managing it effectively is crucial for achieving your goals. A calendar helps you make the most of your time by allocating it wisely. You can schedule tasks during your most productive hours and avoid double-booking or overloading yourself with too many tasks at once. It also helps you identify and eliminate time-wasting activities, ensuring that you are using your time efficiently to work towards your goals.

4. Enhances Focus and Productivity: With a calendar, you can prioritize your tasks and stay focused on what needs to be done. It allows you to eliminate distractions and dedicate specific timeslots for your goals so you can give them your undivided attention. This enhances your productivity and increases your chances of success. By scheduling your tasks, you can avoid the temptation to multitask and ensure that you’re making progress towards your goals every day.

5. Provides Flexibility and Adaptability: Life is unpredictable, and sometimes plans change. However, having a calendar and scheduling your goals and tasks provides you with flexibility and adaptability. You can easily reschedule tasks if unexpected events or emergencies arise, without losing sight of your goals. A calendar allows you to adjust your plan as needed, ensuring that you can still make progress towards your goals, even when faced with unexpected challenges.

You’re more likely to make time for your goals when it’s on your calendar, rather than hoping to find time for it in the midst of a busy day. Scheduling helps you allocate the necessary time and resources for your goals, ensuring that you’re dedicating enough effort to make meaningful progress.

By incorporating your goals into your calendar and scheduling specific actions, you can create a roadmap to success and turn your dreams into reality. So, take out your calendar (physical and/or online), set your goals, and start scheduling your way towards achieving them. Remember, success is not just about setting goals; it’s about taking consistent action towards them, and a calendar can be your invaluable partner in this journey.