Back to School is Not Just for Students – Using August to Reassess Your Dreams and Goals

31 Jul Back to School is Not Just for Students – Using August to Reassess Your Dreams and Goals

While the kids are prepping their backpacks and sharpening their pencils for back-to-school season, there’s an exciting opportunity for us adults too – a chance to hit the reset button and reassess our own goals. Think of August as our version of “back to school.” Just as students use this time to set new intentions for their academic year, we can use it to revisit and rejuvenate our personal and professional aspirations.

The Magic of August

August often marks the end of a busy summer. The vacations, barbecues, and lazy days are winding down, and there’s a noticeable shift in the air. It’s a perfect time to reflect on the goals we set at the beginning of the year. Remember those New Year’s resolutions? How many have we forgotten, put aside, or perhaps even achieved? This month provides a natural pause, a moment to consider where we are and where we want to go.

Step One: Reflect on the Year So Far

Start by taking stock of the past months. What have been your biggest accomplishments? What challenges have you faced? Reflecting on both the highs and the lows can provide valuable insights. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small they may seem. They are milestones in your journey. For the goals that seem to have fallen by the wayside, ask yourself why. Was the goal unrealistic? Did other priorities take over? Understanding the reasons can help you recalibrate effectively.

Step Two: Reevaluate Your Goals

Once you’ve reflected, it’s time to reevaluate. Our goals can change as we do, and that’s okay. What seemed important in January might not hold the same weight now. Consider your current priorities and passions. Are there new goals you want to set? Or maybe you need to modify existing ones to better fit your current circumstances. Remember, goal setting is a dynamic process.

Step Three: Break It Down

Big goals can be overwhelming, but breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks can make them more achievable. Take each goal and divide it into actionable steps. For instance, if your goal is to start a new fitness routine, begin with setting a schedule, researching workout plans, and perhaps finding a workout buddy to keep you motivated. Instead of committing to one hour every day, maybe start with 30 minutes, or commit to 3 days a week. Small, consistent steps lead to big changes over time.

Step Four: Create a Plan

With your goals and steps in place, it’s time to create a plan. This could be as simple as writing down your goals and steps in a journal, creating a vision board, or using a digital planner. The key is to make a tangible plan that you can refer to regularly. Schedule regular check-ins with yourself to track your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Step Five: Seek Support

Don’t underestimate the power of community. Share your goals with friends, family, or a supportive group. They can provide encouragement, advice, and accountability. Sometimes, just knowing that someone else is rooting for you can make all the difference.

Step Six: Embrace Flexibility

Life is unpredictable, and it’s important to remain flexible. Your goals and plans should be adaptable to change. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to pivot. The aim is progress, not perfection. Celebrate the journey and be kind to yourself along the way.

Step Seven: Stay Inspired

Finally, keep your inspiration alive. Surround yourself with positivity. Read books, listen to podcasts, and follow social media accounts that motivate you. Inspiration can be found everywhere, and staying connected to it will keep you moving forward.

By reflecting on our achievements, reevaluating our goals, breaking them down into manageable steps, creating a plan, seeking support, embracing flexibility and staying inspired, we can set ourselves up for success. Here’s to making the most of this season of growth.