Yesterday, my 10-year old daughter had to complete a one-mile run/walk in PE class. They have to do this challenge a few times a year. The first time she ran the mile, she completed it in over 11 minutes. So, she set a goal to complete it in 10 minutes and 30 seconds this time. When she began the challenge, she began getting concerned that she wouldn’t hit her goal, so she pushed herself to run harder. When she finished, she surpassed her goal, completing the mile in 9 minutes and 40 seconds.

How often do we set goals? Many times, we set out to complete a project or task without having a target. We just hope to complete it but give little thought to setting a goal. I’ve discovered, as did my daughter, that when you set a target, you have a greater chance of hitting it. And you may even surpass it because you are driven to make sure you at least hit the target. I asked my daughter how the other students performed. She said most of the students walked and were in no hurry to complete the mile. Others ran a while and then walked. And one student ran the fastest the whole time. We all have varying skill levels, but having a goal increases the chances that you will try your hardest to hit the target.

As we prepare to end 2018 and enter 2019 in just a few days, reflect on 2018 and what you did well.

What lessons did you learn?

What obstacles did you overcome?

What motivated you to do your best?

In 2019, what goals will you set?

What targets will you aim for?

What will be your driving force?

In what areas do you want to be better?

Begin writing down these answers. They will serve as a starting point for your accomplishments in the new year.

“Goals are dreams with deadlines.” ― Diana Scharf

~Coletta Jones Patterson