A New Year and time to set new goals!

It's the start of a New Year and so it is the perfect time to think about what it is you want to achieve this year.  It's the perfect time to think about your goals in your life, your work and in you. 

Setting goals is like having your own personal treasure map - it's key to achieving success! But, like all great adventures, it's important to have a clear plan with specific steps. Here are some tips to help you reach your goals:

1. Picture the Prize: First, imagine what you want to achieve; it could be anything from a dream job to a fitness goal.  For me personally, I have made some fitness goals and have joined the local gym, invested in a trampoline and am finally seeking help from a very good physio therapist to work on becoming pain free this year.  I am worth it I tell myself and should not feel guilty about investing in myself and spending the dosh on me.  Those physio sessions aren't cheap but they are worth every penny.  If you have a niggling pain, get it sorted before it becomes untreatable and picture where you want to be this year.  You won't regret it.
2. Divide and Conquer: Break down the goal into smaller, more achievable steps. This will help you to create a clear plan of action.  My fitness goal will only be reached if I actually visit the gym, and implement my exercises regularly and if I actually step onto the trampoline.  Auditions will only be done if I visit the booth and spend time in there.  Fortunately my son is a great help to me and keeps me on track to carry out the exercise regime I have chosen, but I have also decided to do exercises that I enjoy doing so it does not become a chore and actually becomes a pleasurable and fun experience.  With regard to my voice over career, I meet regularly with fellow booth buddies from around the world and we hold each other accountable and encourage one another.  I look forward to meeting up with them on zoom each day and I love going into the booth to record so I am always motivated to go to work especially as I get to wear my slippers and long oodie!
3. Make a Plan: Develop a plan that outlines the steps you need to take to achieve your goals. This plan should include deadlines and timelines for each step.  When it comes to work and doing voice overs sometimes timelines and deadlines are difficult to set, however, I plan to do marketing each day, to contact 10 prospective clients each day, to audition each day as much as possible and to continue to work on my voice by daily warming up the voice and practicing reading aloud each day. ​
4. Take the Leap: Start taking action on your plan. This could mean setting aside time each day to work towards your goals.  I enjoy planning my day the night before and I work out a time table for the day including regular walks with my dog Messi.  Alexa keeps me on track throughout the day by giving me reminders of what I should be focusing on next and that way I am able to pack a lot into the day without getting too distracted scrolling through social media and not actually doing anything! 
5. Keep Score: Regularly track your progress towards your goals. This will help you to stay motivated and make any necessary adjustments to your plan.  Each quarter I meet up with my booth buddies online and we discuss our progress and highlight areas that we need to focus on which helps us to stay on track and keeps us motivated.  We also write down each day what we have done and achieved and that also helps us to see where we need to improve to be able to reach the goals we have set.
6. WooHoo!: Celebrate your achievements along the way. This will help you to stay motivated and keep your momentum going towards achieving your goals.  I think this is an area that can be overlooked and neglected but it is good to look back at how far you have come and to give yourself a pat on the back.  It makes you feel good.  Maybe a special meal, a glass of wine, a bowl of cherries.  Whatever makes you feel special because remember you are worth it!  

Remember, achieving your goals means hard work, dedication, and determination. By following these tips and staying focused on your goals, you can achieve success in whatever you set out to do!  Actually scrap that last paragraph, it should read instead achieving your goals means lots of fun,  an enjoyable sense of play and a happy day each day!  Focus on what makes you happy and do those happy things each day.  Fit them into each day.  Life is too short to be working hard with gritted teach but if you enjoy your work then you will be more likely successful in achieving your goals.  I hope these tips will help you to achieve the goals you set this year and you create the life of your dreams.  Happy goal setting!  

This is me in my oodie!