Time to Revisit Your 2013 Goals

There is still time for a strong finish in 2013

It’s June and we have reached the half way mark of 2013.

June also happens to be the month of my anniversary. When I turned 40 years ago, I began to refer to the day of my birth as an anniversary instead of a birthday. It seems more grown up.

Each year on the aforementioned anniversary, I set new goals for myself.

I recognize that most people do this at the onset of each new year, but I have found my anniversary the best time to reflect upon life, accomplishments, missteps and goals both personal and professional.

If you are one for resolutions, you now only have six months in which to accomplish what you set out to when this year began.

With a little less than 182 days now remaining, June is a great time to revisit, dig up and dust off that list of goals and put them into action assuming you have not already.

Whether you are a beginning of each year planner or someone who strategizes at a different time of year, following are some tips for getting mobilized and maximizing the final months of 2013:

1. Locate the list of goals or write a new list. If applicable, mark off what has already been tackled and highlight those tasks that remain. Post your list in a highly-visible place like your bathroom mirror or refrigerator. Doing so will provide you with a constant reminder of the things you need to be focused on each day.

2. Re-evaluate. Are your priorities and objectives the same as they were six months ago? If so, forge ahead. If not, write down those priorities and related tasks that will get you where you want to be by year end. Adjust your goals according to the timeline. With half the year already behind us, you may need to re-think your goal of a 100-pound weight loss to maybe a 50-pound weight loss. Being realistic about what you can accomplish with the remaining time is key.

3. Identify a reliable and trusted colleague who will hold you accountable. Commit to a mutual time with your accountability partner for a weekly check in. Once that time is set, immediately put this appointment into your calendar. Give a copy of your goals and timelines to the designated partner along with license to challenge you whenever necessary.

4. Use technology. There are dozens of free project planning apps, programs and calendars that will allow you to track your progress on your Smartphone, tablet or most mobile devices. A quick search of your App store will help you to identify the ones that will be most helpful to you. Use these tools to remain on task everywhere you go.

5. Get to work. Complete and remove one task everyday. Doing this faithfully will get you that much closer to gold. If you miss a day, don’t get discouraged. Just be certain to double your efforts the following day.

F. Scott Fitzgerald is credited with saying “vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over.”

He’s correct in that it’s not too late to start over with a newfound vitality and make the most of what’s left of this year.

I wish you much success and applaud you in advance for your tenacity.

Now, it’s time to finish this race. On your mark, get set, go!