Set new intentional goals

Happy New Year guys!

Hurrah, the shittiest of years has finally passed and we’re now on the cusp of reclaiming our lives. But, let me tell you this, none of what we intend to achieve this year should be based on the government, vaccines or the economy; we need to transform our thinking and grab the opportunity to take full control of our own destinies.

We cannot do this without putting real thought and conviction into our actions over the next twelve months and beyond. I’m not a ‘qualified expert’ but I don’t need to be to share the positive experiences that I’ve gained by investing in goals and intentions.

Intention: Something that you want and plan to do.
Intention synonyms: Aim, Aspiration, Goal, Objective, Ambition, Dream, Hope, Target. 

Many of us during some point in 2020 would have struggled mentally. This mental challenge could have been as simple as grappling with staying positive, all the way through to experiencing a full-on debilitating breakdown. If you are a regular on my blog, you know that I struggled big time last year. Several contributing factors all came to a head, but the strength I gained during my recovery showed me that everything happens for a reason.

With this new clarity and mental growth, I’m now taking steps to protect my peace and set goals to aid my progression in all areas. I’m not just looking at my own life, but also owning my role and responsibilities in tackling the many issues I regularly talk about.

Here’s the thing; we spend so much of our time focusing on what we need to do for ourselves that we miss the bigger (and obvious) picture. Inequality, systemic racism, climate change, wipe-spread apathy, the concerning rising power of the tech giants – there is so much happening adjacent to our own lives which will impact us.

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of the typical ‘plaster-approach’ for everything. If 2020 taught us anything, it taught us that without addressing root-cause issues, when shit goes down, the consequences will be unconscionable. A quick example, the NHS has been mismanaged for decades. If the system was well managed, we certainly wouldn’t have seen the cancellation of all non-covid related procedures resulting in the build-up of over 70,000 people on the waiting list for other treatment. I have seen with my own two eyes, death resulting in neglect of care. This is not acceptable. As a family, we have made significant changes to protect ourselves, such as investing in private healthcare; we set this goal as soon as we saw the danger.

So what types of goals should you think about setting?

I’ve listed the areas I’ll be focusing on:

• Self-goals. Charity begins at home.If we don’t look after ourselves, how can we expect to kick ass elsewhere? It’s ok to put ourselves first and it’s ok to want to be at our optimum. Self-goals will crossover lots of other areas, but setting simple targets like ‘Dedicate an hour a day to read’, ‘Treat myself to a relaxing bath once a week’, ‘Meditate once a week’, will really help us to take the time to consciously focus on our wellbeing.

• Professional/Business goals. This one is important because let’s be honest, we spend most of our time in our working lives and if we don’t make it count, it becomes a resentful waste. When we are clear on what we realistically want to achieve, we can consciously develop efficient and effective ways to reach those goals making much better use of our time and improving our chances of success.

• Financial goals. We don’t know what the next few months will look like let alone the next year, so we have to be smart about our finances. Many of us have lost income in one way or another – lost jobs/work, cancelled pay rises/promotions, and increased living costs (especially if you have a living breathing Dyson called Amyah). Saving is important, but also questioning what we spend money on is imperative. Divest in fast fashion and invest in health (private healthcare and quality food). Support an organisation/Patron working to improve the lives of all. A little does go a long way.

• Environmental goals. Climate change is no joke. What are you doing to play your part? I’ve made some suggestions about what we can all do now in my last article.

• Health goals. Our health should be a priority so that we’re in optimal mental, emotional, and physical condition. Let’s skedaddle pass weight loss; it’s such an empty goal. When we set goals that go towards changing unhealthy habits, that when we arrive at real health. If that looks physically different from supermodels on magazine covers or the altered image of a social media influencer, then that’s cool. Really, guys, it’s ok. Get more sleep, cut down on fats and sugars, get some exercise daily and get rid of stress triggers – whatever you set, commit to it one day at a time.  

• Relationship goals. I will be the first to admit that I neglect my relationship way more than I should. I am blessed with the most relaxed, patient hubby in the world, but I know I need to stop taking this for granted. Think about what goals will help you relationship blossom.

• Friends and family goals. Family is everything so take the time to commit to them actively. I will be committing to filling the gap created by the closure of schools (thanks Sadiq!!!). My eldest loves school, she’s heartbroken not to be returning but we are now in a time where home-schooling may become part of the norm. I’m dedicated to ensuring that as a family, we fulfil our role to ensure our children aren’t detrimentally impacted by everything going on right now. Bloody pandemic.

Anywho, I hope this sparks your thoughts. Good luck setting your goals; be realistic about them, be intentional but most importantly, be kind to yourself.

Sending love and light always.

DiDi