4 Questions to Ask Yourself After Goal Setting

So, last week we discussed how to set intentional goals in 5 different areas in our lives. If you missed our last post you can check it out here.

So, now that you set your 5 intentional life goals what’s next? We encourage you to take time and reflect on each one of them. This is very important because most people go through life never taking the first step. A lot of times it's because they never quite understood why they set their goals to begin with. We claim we want to lose weight, start a business, or go to school. But, intention without action means nothing. 

Our goal is to help you see through your plans and to provide you with the tools and resources necessary to help you accomplish your goals. 

That being said, look at your goals and ask yourself the following questions....

1. Why is achieving this goal important to me?

As human beings we have a tendency to set goals because of external factors that have nothing to do with us. Are you working out 5 days a week because a loved one made fun of your weight, or is your goal to live a healthy and well-balanced life? Are you applying to medical school because you truly want to become a surgeon or are you doing it because of family pressure? Be honest with yourself and make sure that you're doing it for yourself and no one else.

2. What barrier do you think may prevent you from accomplishing this goal?

A lot of us turn away once we come face to face with barriers. Maybe it’s the lack of financial resources in your life. Or, maybe time is a factor and you're way too busy to find time to make it happen. If you acknowledge the barrier before you attempt to conquer your goal it makes reality a bit easier to deal with. However, don't dwell at it but use it as your motivation to achieve the impossible. 

3. Who can help me achieve this goal?

Start developing your support team and immediately remove people who will hinder or prevent you from achieving this goal. Removing people does not mean you get rid of them completely. The idea is to put then in a different place in your life that works for you. For instance, I have my party friends that I love hanging out with but they don’t have access to my dreams or aspirations. Also, don’t be afraid to completely cut of the toxic people in your life. Honestly, you're doing yourself a favor.

4. What is the first step that I need to take to reach my goal?

Taking the first step for each person can look different. My first step towards achieving my goals was being intentional about how I planned my days. I couldn’t accomplish anything until I had this whole planning thing somewhat together. I decided to spend each Sunday evening reflecting on the previous week and planning for the week ahead. You may not have all the answers but at least you identified your first step.  

Goal setting is more then just writing thoughts on paper and putting affirmations on the wall. While, people make it look easy just remember that whatever you accomplish in life is a result of consistency, hard work and timing.

Oh and a dash of luck which sprinkles itself miraculously, once you have broken a sweat or two over the years ;-)

Want To Start Planning Your Vision Board Party? 

1. Download the FREE vision board party planning checklist.

2. Craft your inspiring vision board workshop talk with our FREE High Impact Storytelling Journal Prompts. 

3. Plan, promote & host your first (or next) professional & profitable vision board workshop with our signature course, Sold Out Vision Board Parties.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cyrene is a fun and accomplished workshop facilitator, learning and development guru and Human Resources professional. Being at the helm of Thrive Lounge has been a long-time dream. Through vision board workshops she plans to accomplish two-way learning. Sharing her vast years of knowledge to motivate and encourage others; while simultaneously getting the reward of great energy, ideas and questions to ponder back from each group. A super win-win. Please join our Thrive Lounge community so you too can benefit!

5 Areas in Life To Set Goals

At this time in the year, I'm sure you're busy kicking butt at some of the goals that you set for yourself. I know we are. But, as we grow and develop our priorities may start to change as well. Maybe the plans that you had for last year are no longer applicable for your life at the moment. Or maybe, you had a drastic change in your life that is forcing you to reevaluate your goals such as pregnancy, death of a loved one, divorce, marriage, or engagement. 

You see, the only thing constant in life is change. The good news, however, is that you should give yourself permission to restructure goals as needed. That's why we always set goals in different areas of our lives; to ensure that we are living an intentional life. 

There are several areas that you can set goals in which include: personal, education, friends & family, health, career, spiritual and financial. Choose 5 that you want to focus on and set specific goals for each one.

Not sure where to start? check out our latest YouTube series as we discuss some of our top 5. 

If you loved this article, then you might like my book.

Goal Doing: Practical Advice For Goal Setting, Action Planning and Achieving Your Dreams

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cyrene is a fun and accomplished workshop facilitator, learning and development guru and Human Resources professional. Being at the helm of Thrive Lounge has been a long-time dream. Through vision board workshops she plans to accomplish two-way learning. Sharing her vast years of knowledge to motivate and encourage others; while simultaneously getting the reward of great energy, ideas and questions to ponder back from each group. A super win-win. Please join our Thrive Lounge community so you too can benefit!

3 Ways to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

I felt afraid. 

What if my analysis is wrong? What if there is something I missed? What if they ask a question and I don't know the answer...

Then...she asked me a question, took me off track. I froze. 

I was afraid of being wrong. I was intimidated because I was surrounded by people who had been in the industry much longer. I thought to myself,  "how do I even know if I'm giving them anything valuable?"

At the end of the presentation, my client asked me for additional analysis. Surprisingly, my boss trusted me enough to lead the conversation solo. I guess that means I did a great job, I thought to myself. 

I wasn't an impostor after all. At that moment, I realized that I am a brilliant woman afraid to own my brilliance in front of a group. I had challenged myself to overcome the "impostor syndrome" and I totally succeeded in the opportunity that was given. 

You see, impostor syndrome is reserved for those smart enough, persistent enough, and diligent enough to do something they've never done before.. and succeed. But, if we let it take over our lives we are only settling for mediocrity. 

So how do you overcome the impostor syndrome? 

ACCEPT THE FACT that you WILL NEVER have the answer to everything.

We get caught up in the idea that we have to be an expert in a field that we pressure ourselves to always have the answer. So, when we can't explain something we start feeling like a fraud. I encourage you to be honest with others and let them know when you're unsure. Your audience will appreciate this gesture a lot more. 

REMEMBER... no one really knows what they are doing.

When people ask me the formula to succeed I tell them I don't have one. I also tell them to let me know when they find out. I do however encourage them to take risks. So, consider yourself brave for trying something new. The reality is that no one really knows what they are doing even if they like to pretend they do. So, your willingness to take a risk will motivate someone regardless of the outcome.

DO NOT equate your success to luck. 

Remind yourself that you worked hard to achieve your success in life regardless of how small it may seem. Maybe you made the right connections at a networking event or happened to be at the right place at the right time. Regardless of the situation, you made a choice. You decided to speak to the CEO at the corporate dinner. You decided to attend the brunch where you met your future business investor. So, regardless of how it may seem, luck doesn't just exist you create it. 

It's very easy to feel like a fraud as you climb the ladder towards success. But, remember that you worked hard for it, you're not perfect, and you really do know a lot more then you think.

Want To Start Planning Your Vision Board Party? 

1. Download the FREE vision board party planning checklist.

2. Craft your inspiring vision board workshop talk with our FREE High Impact Storytelling Journal Prompts. 

3. Plan, promote & host your first (or next) professional & profitable vision board workshop with our signature course, Sold Out Vision Board Parties.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cyrene is a fun and accomplished workshop facilitator, learning and development guru and Human Resources professional. Being at the helm of Thrive Lounge has been a long-time dream. Through vision board workshops she plans to accomplish two-way learning. Sharing her vast years of knowledge to motivate and encourage others; while simultaneously getting the reward of great energy, ideas and questions to ponder back from each group. A super win-win. Please join our Thrive Lounge community so you too can benefit!

How You Can Have "It All" And Applaud Your Imperfections

In December 2016, we hosted our first annual vision board conference. On the morning of the event, I had a friend come over to help pack the car. When I let him in the house he immediately looked around with this odd look.

He commented on the dishes in the sink and the towels + clothes on the bathroom floor. I'll be honest, it looked like a tornado had come through and taken Dorothy and Toto with it. 

What was my response? 

I was proud. 

My home hadn't been cleaned in about two weeks. In fact, instead of cleaning my home, I'd been busy creating an event that I'd never done before, securing speakers, sponsors, and being an amazing mother - all in my free time (because I'm still holding it down at my 9-to-5). I was killing it in every sense of the phrase and if my bathroom didn't look like it had an appointment with Mr. Clean in a while, that was just fine with me.

A few years ago, that look (and totally unnecessary comment) might've bothered me. I would've tried to clean up my apartment before he came in, or made an apologetic comment like "excuse my messy apartment." The reality is, the woman that I have become simply did not care because in my eyes, I had "it all."

If you're still in your journey to become an unapologetic boss, there are only three things you need to do.

Define what having"it all" is for you. (Pro Tip: "it all" is not the same for everyone)

My definition of having "it all" is to create connections between women who dare to dream, find joy in creating value for others who are consistently setting new goals... and crushing them. I want to create a lifestyle for myself where I'm continuously doing things that I've never done before. (I'm a glutton for learning and late nights with Red Bull.)

I prioritize being good at what I do over looking good. (I really don't care if I'm wearing jeans and a t-shirt and rocking the no-makeup-naturalista look all day long because I'm busy making moves.) Finally, I'm always focused on being a great parent. 

Take a second to decide what you want to focus on in your life. Let the things you are passionate about, and the things that you want to happen in your life drive your definition of "it all."

Strive for that... and only that.

When my friend commented on the state of my apartment, I totally put him in his place. (Yes, my place is a total wreck... AND? *Cue some serious side-eye action + a fierce you-gotta-problem-with-that face.*) The reality is that we all have priorities and when you know what you want out of life, you can feel confident in telling your friends/family/anyone-with-a-comment that whatever that they're worried about - it's THEIR priority, NOT YOURS. (Because you totally have your priorities in check.)

When everything else falls apart, flip your hair, hunny! 

The reality is no one can do all the things and be all things to all people. There is no way you're going to build a business from the ground up, have perfect hair and nails, be the perfect partner, mother, mentor, AND mentee with a booming social life, getting at least 8 hours of sleep per night and have a clean home at the same time.

There will be days when you turn your phone off to spend time with your family. There will be days when you cancel date night with your partner to go to a networking event. 

There will be days that you say SCREW CLEANING THE KITCHEN, I'm hosting an event and I'm so excited to finally build something of value. 

There will be days when you tell your partner to take the kids AND turn off your phone because today is YOUR DAY.

The reality is we can all have it all. It is up to YOU to determine what "it all" looks like and stay confident and unshakable (with side-eye in tow) that you've made the right choice for you.

Want To Start Planning Your Vision Board Party? 

1. Download the FREE vision board party planning checklist.

2. Craft your inspiring vision board workshop talk with our FREE High Impact Storytelling Journal Prompts. 

3. Plan, promote & host your first (or next) professional & profitable vision board workshop with our signature course, Sold Out Vision Board Parties.

---

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cyrene is a fun and accomplished workshop facilitator, learning and development guru and Human Resources professional. Being at the helm of Thrive Lounge has been a long-time dream. Through vision board workshops she plans to accomplish two-way learning. Sharing her vast years of knowledge to motivate and encourage others; while simultaneously getting the reward of great energy, ideas and questions to ponder back from each group. A super win-win. Please join our Thrive Lounge community so you too can benefit!