Action Steps Towards Goals

by Janice R Newman

For an assignment, we wrote our S.M.A.R.T. GOALS a few weeks ago. To refresh, your goals need to be written S.M.A.R.T.: which stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Bound. Determining your goals and writing them out can be difficult and require deep motivation and desire to make a change in your life, solve an issue, or have a burning desire to accomplish a dream. Now, that we established our goals, the next step is to plan the action steps to obtain the goals. Those steps must align with your values, beliefs, and character.

Psalm 37:23-24 “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” (NLT).

Action steps are the actual effort and work taken to accomplish something. The action plan you create will outline the steps, tasks, or processes that you will utilize. Working towards accomplishing goals can not be done haphazardly, you have to specifically plan the steps to implement to reach success. The steps must be strategically outlined in great detail which always leads toward attainment.

Some effective ways to take action steps towards achieving your goals:

• Break down the goal into smaller achievable steps. I like to refer to small steps as BABY STEPS! Baby steps are broken down into little steps that are not overwhelming and allow you to focus on one little important step at a time. A big jump may discourage you and cause you to give up completely on your goals. Deciding to lose weight is a great goal, but trying to take a jump and lose 20 pounds in a week instead of a baby step of 2-3 pounds, might send you to a buffet if you don’t accomplish the step. Small steps are super because they allow you to celebrate small wins along the way to the finish line.

• Create a plan of action in writing. Set deadlines and prioritize tasks and steps. Identify potential obstacles and brainstorm solutions to overcome them. Be flexible and adjust your plan as needed to be beneficial. The steps in the plan must include the resources needed, what you’re going to do specifically, and the time you will be working on the steps. Stay organized with the steps. Use tools like calendars, to-do lists, outlines, technology like Alexa or Google, or an app.

• Take consistent action. Consistency is the key to achieving your goals. Your planned baby steps, when consistently taken, will become habits and lead to overall accomplishment. Set aside time each day or week to work on your steps and tasks. If you want to write a book, either wake up 30 minutes earlier four days a week or save the last 30 before bedtime to write. Be consistent to hold yourself accountable.

“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (NLT)

Implementing these strategies, action steps lead us to achieve our goals. Stay committed, and focused, and have faith that the Lord is leading your steps. Remember that achieving your goals takes time, effort, motivation, and determination. Visualize your success and have faith that it will be accomplished. Y? Why Not! www.ywhynot.com

Charles A. Rushing, age 81, of Griffith, IN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 11, 2023. Loving husband of the late Helen K. Rushing, nee Majors. Devoted father of Lisa (Brien) Schroers. Cherished grandfather of Emily Rushing. Dear brother of Nancy (late Carmen) Barone, George Rushing, Stephen (Valerie) Rushing, the late Jane (late James) Warren, late Judy Rushing and late Fred Rushing. Kind uncle of many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Margaret Rushing. Visitation Thursday, March 16, 2023 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. Funeral service Friday, March 17, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Smits Funeral Home 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30/Pleasant Springs Ln.) Dyer, IN. Interment Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery – Crown Point, IN. Memorial contributions may be given to American Cancer Society (www.cancer. org). For further information please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www. SMITSFH.com

Janusz

Alexander G. “Al” Janusz, age 60, suddenly, of Lansing, formerly a longtime resident of Dolton, IL, passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2023. Loving companion and longtime partner of Deborah D. “Debbie” Coulter. Stepfather of Shawn Coulter. Proud grandpa of Payton. Dearest brother of Thomas (Denise) Janusz, James (Judy) Janusz, and the late Robert Janusz. Kind and generous uncle of Elise (Scott) Coon, Garrett (Beth) Janusz, Brandon Janusz, and Steven (Samantha) Janusz; great-uncle of Evelyn, Emory, Isaac, Ada and Sylvie Jean. Dear nephew and cousin to many. Preceded in death by his parents Alexander and Jean Janusz. Born December 27, 1962. Al spent his childhood growing up in Dolton, with loving parents and family around him. He graduated from St. Jude the Apostle School in South Holland, IL, and then from Mount Carmel High School in Chicago. He founded alongside his father, originally Al’s Truck Parts & Equipment, then Al’s Truck Parts & Collision Repair. He loved his family first and foremost, as well as his many, many friends. He was always there for us and had a big heart and was generous to all who came in contact with him. Al had the gift of touching many lives. He will be dearly missed by his family, and all who knew and loved him, but will never be forgotten. R.I.P. Brother. Celebration of Life Gathering Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service and time for sharing at 6:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30/Pleasant Springs Ln.), Dyer, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations c/o The Debbie Coulter Family, appreciated. For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com

Jerry C. Johansen, age 77, of Cedar Lake, IN formerly of Greeley, CO and South Holland, IL passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 18, 2023. Beloved husband of Paulette, nee Grumbles. Loving father of Michelle (Michael) Bacon and Rob (Tara) Johansen. Devoted Papa of Linnea Johansen, Kendra Johansen, August Johansen, Marissa Bacon and Makayla Bacon. Dear brother of Ron (Ginger) Johansen and Cheryl (Joe) Paglia. Kind uncle to several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents August and Althea Johansen. Jerry retired from R.R. Donnelley Printing Co. after 45 years of service. He was loved by many and will be missed. Visitation with family and friends will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. Funeral Service, Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment Maplewood Cemetery –Crown Point, IN. For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www.SMITSFH. com.

Cook

James L. Cook, age 79, of Dolton, IL passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 18, 2023. Beloved husband of Judith Cook, nee Wren. Loving father of Theresa Lee, Camille Salter, and the late Evelyn Keener. Dear brother of Evelyn Cook and Laverne Lee. Preceded in death by his parents Grover and Willie Bessie Cook. Mr. Cook was a U.S. Army Veteran and was a huge White Sox fan. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Horn

Arlene “Sue” A. Horn, nee Steinbach, age 86, of Lemont, IL formerly of South Holland, IL passed away peacefully on Friday, March 17, 2023. Beloved wife of the late John Horn, Sr. Loving mother of Susan (Jeff) Jachna, John (Juliane) Horn, Jr., James (Cathy Jo) Horn, Joseph (Kathy) Horn, and Jerome (Thresa) Horn. Devoted grandmother of 12 grandchildren and 3 greatgrandchildren. Dear sister of the late Phil Steinbach. Preceded in death by her parents Henry and Francis Steinbach. She was loved by many and will be missed. A memorial visitation and service with family and friends will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the prayer service at 11:00 a.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 649 E. 162nd St., South Holland, IL. Interment will take place at a later date at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery – Elwood, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For further information, please contact 708-333-7000 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www. SMITSFH.com