When You Veer Off the Path

So you made a plan, and you started working on the steps you created to reach your goal. "This is great!", you think. 

And then, something happened.

You got busy and didn't have time.
You realize you forgot a key component, and aren't sure what to do next.
It's just...not working. 

In the past, you may have thrown your hands up, and decided it was too hard, or too much effort, or just not worth the pain of changing. Because change is hard. 

Now you have to consider: is your goal something that matters to you, or were you doing it because of external influences? Is this a goal that you feel will make your life better? Will it make the lives of those you love, better? Are you willing to put the energy in to fix the plan, so that you can continue on and reach your goal?

If you had made a resolution, mid to late January is often about as long as they last. But you have a plan, and plans (though they may need to be tweaked) can help turn resolution into reality. 

Resolution: I'll spend more time with my kids. 
This is a very nice idea...but how is it going to happen?
Goal: We will have at least three family dinners every week. 
This is concrete, and achievable. 
Plan: On Monday, Thursday and Saturday, our family will cook together, and share the meal.
This lays out the specific information, so that your goal can be reality.  
But. On Monday, you realize that you didn't get the groceries needed to make the dinner. So when the kids started saying 'I'm hungry' you weren't able to distract them with cooking, and you just fed them something you knew they would like...you and your partner ate later. 
On Thursday, an extra sports practice was called, and you were running around, so everyone ate what they could, when they could.
On Saturday, one of your children was invited to sleep over at a friend's house. 

So the first week wasn't a big success? So what! You have a whole year to get it right...and immediate results are gratifying, but aren't the only measure of success. 
Make changes.
Plan better.
Be flexible...you can shoot for certain days, but if you can be less rigid, you'll increase the possibilities. 
In the above scenario, dinner together isn't a punishment, so flexibility will be key in making sure that people don't feel like they have to give up their outside activities. Planning ahead will help ensure you have groceries...alternatively, even if everyone is eating leftovers, if the primary goal is eating together, then eat them together. 

You've chosen your goal and made your plan. It may not happen immediately, and it may not be perfect, but keep working at it, and you'll reach your goals!

For more information about life plans, children and families, or working through any of the complications that life provides,  please email me at debhurowitz@yahoo.com, or check out http://mommybutstillme.com