Lifestyle  —  post

3 Tips For Achieving Goals

I’ve never successfully executed a New Year’s resolution. I guess you could say I’m in the “norm”. I used to have high hopes, set unrealistic resolutions and watch them fizzle as the weeks pass. But not achieving the goals set by my resolutions wasn’t the problem. The problem was feeling like a loser when I didn’t achieve them. I felt discouraged and hopeless. And the worst was the loss of confidence. When you start to lose confidence in yourself, the hopelessness sets in and you stop trying before you know it.

There are a few things I’ve learned over the years that have helped me in achieving my goals. Certain milestones have come with certain lessons. Let me share those lessons I’ve learned with you.

One Small Thing At A Time

We’ve all heard this tip, but I’m here to remind you that all those small achievements add up to something big. And that something big is your confidence. Once you build up your confidence and know you’re the badass you always knew you were, your goals and resolutions will get bigger and grander. You’ll be able to see the new “you” and visualize the “you” you’ve always wanted to be.

A few years back, I kept hearing about the benefits of meditating, journaling, gratitude journaling, vision boarding, taking a cold shower… the list goes on and on. A tale as old as time: I tried to implement all of those things, all at once. Surprise surprise, none of them stuck. I revisited this list, and started with what I thought would be the easiest task for me to complete every morning, and that was journaling. After a few months, I added making a list of gratitudes. After another few months, I started meditating. And soon I had a morning routine that helped me mentally and physically, and has benefited me enormously. It’s helped me realize and create my dream life.

So start small like saving $1 everyday, making sure all the dishes are clean before going to bed (I’m still working on this one), standing and stretching at least once an hour while working (another one I’m still working on) or flossing your teeth every night. And when those small tasks seem daunting, make them smaller. Save $0.50 a day, make sure all your dishes are in the sink soaking, stand and stretch at least once every 90 minutes and floss your teeth every other night. Just start with one small thing, build upon it and don’t give up.

Do It Now

January 1st seems like a great time to make changes. Or even the start of a week. Or maybe your birthday. But I am here to tell you that every single day is the same, and you should start right now. Start whenever the mood strikes. Start whenever you have the thought that “you should”. I was a smoker for over 11 years. I smoked between two and three packs a day, and I smoked Marlboro Red’s… and lights, and light 100’s, and Camel Lights. I pretty much smoked whatever I could get my hands on. I quit on a Tuesday in March at lunchtime. I was standing outside of my office building on Park Ave., waiting for my lunch to be delivered. And I flung my cigarette butt into the street and said to myself, “That’s it. That’s my last one.” And it was. I threw out the rest of my pack and haven’t touched a cigarette since. Of course I had passing thoughts of quitting before then. And what I remember most was not wanting to smell like stale cigarette smoke anymore. I was standing outside of that office building, getting constant whiffs of the smoke floating by from other smokers and from my own cigarette and I got frustrated. It was something I would never be able to get away from unless I quit. Ironically, I was living with two smokers at the time and I would still smell like smoke, but not as badly. My point is that you should just do it. Do it when the mood strikes, and make that change. Don’t wait until Monday. Don’t wait until you finish that pack. Just do it now.

Make It Meaningful

About a year after quitting smoking, I decided to start working out again. I had been active in high school, and occasionally during college and afterwards. But I didn’t have a regular routine and I wasn’t a member of any gym. I knew myself well enough to know that I needed to actually FEEL the difference of not smoking to stay away from it. I was young when I quit, so it wasn’t like I was fighting a disease yet or was told by the doctor that I had three months to live if I didn’t quit. But I knew if I started to do something that a smoker wouldn’t be able to do easily, I would be able to feel the difference and eventually feel improvement. That’s when I started running. Running gave me the reason to stay away from cigarettes. And that’s what I needed to keep going. It became more than just “not smoking because it’s bad for me” – this esoteric, abstract, pie-in-the-sky reason, and instead became the reason I could run which was a concrete, very real reason. A short seven years after quitting smoking, I ran the NYC Marathon.

YOU GOT THIS!

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Comments

  • Nancy

    Would like to receive your newsletter

    • admin

      Hi Nancy, at the bottom of the homepage, you can enter in your email address to subscribe to the newsletter. Thank you!

  • Dianelys

    Great suggestions! I used to dislike the rose scent when I was younger but as I mature, I’ve started to appreciate it more and more. I’m down for it!

    Xoxo

    • admin

      Thank you Dee!

  • Julie Swann

    Enjoyed this so much, along with the brand trip to NYC.

    • admin

      Thanks so much Julie!

  • Irene

    Michele, your blog has helped me so much. Thank you. I am going through a traumatic experience right now, and your suggestions are resonating with me in a comforting way. I am enjoying your blog posts and hope to hear more life content. Again, thank you! One step at a time!

  • Ioana Androne

    Thank you for the article. It is very inspirational.

  • Charli

    I don’t know what to journal. I literally live such a boring life due to my chronic illness and chronic pain that I don’t know what to journal about. I don’t want to journal about my chronic conditions because that’s depressing to me. I literally just stopped writing here and looked up How To Journal lol. It actually was helpful, there are journal prompts. I do have goals, it’s just hard because of how I feel changes day to day and I can’t count on myself to feel physically well enough to do something each day that I get frustrated and depressed. It’s a lot for me to just do the dishes, take a shower, etc much less do something extra like start a YouTube channel or post more on ig. I’m lucky though, my husband is very supportive and he said just try to post once a week. And that’s what I’m going to try to do.
    Thank you for listening <3 xo Charli

  • Julia

    Wow Michele! I feel inspired now to start exercising. I used to always take exercise in school. When I moved to the US I took Physical Ed and realized most girls didn’t. I was kind of shocked. I don’t smoke anymore either! But I don’t like running on Rt.66. This Covid made me gain way too much. Moreover, I love to read. Thus the weight gain. Am not sure where to begin. If I had my way I’d have a private instructor. Hah! Any suggestions are always welcome. Thanks Michele.

  • Dianelys (SimplyDee Beauty)

    It’s been in my wishlist for the past few weeks. It’s so unique and practical at the same time. I like how it doesn’t have the brand showing up everywhere, it’s more subtle. So beautiful ♥️

    • admin

      ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

  • Dianelys (SimplyDee Beauty)

    I love the highlighter. Its smooth and soft, not chalky or glittery. Looks natural too. Just lovely! My favorite is Moonlit (it’s the only one I’ve tried lol); I think it’s the best for my skin tone. Thank you for your review and comparisons. ♥️

    • admin

      Thanks so much Dee!

  • Ellen

    I went to the outdoor market at Bryant Park while I was in NY during November. I found a store that sold the most amazing candle. Twelve Nights by Fifth&Madison has become my favorite holiday candle. My new addiction for holidays.

    • admin

      Sounds wonderful – thank you for sharing Ellen!

  • Lisa Murcer

    Wow, I want to be at your house for Christmas. Just to meet you, and family.

    Along, with the sensory overload! 😊😊❣️

  • Dianelys (SimplyDee Beauty)

    I love candles too! I prefer fresher scents rather than holiday ones (some scents give me a migraine). Regardless, candles do change your mood, and the room’s atmosphere. Thank you for sharing your favorites for this season 🙂

    • admin

      Thanks Dee! -Michele

  • Emily

    I’m glad you had a wonderful trip, Michele. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. I am also really enjoying your new website. I feel like we get to see another facet of you through your written posts. You’re the cool older sister I wish I had. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

  • Mary

    The trip looks and sounds fabulous. Did you go with a tour? Any suggestions or contacts for booking?
    You look great and like you are having a wonderful time! Thanks so much for sharing.

  • ROXANNE

    I am so behind on your videos but I cannot wait to get caught up on Morocco! What an amazing trip and I really appreciate hearing what brings you comfort and joy upon returning home. There is nothing like home. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your mom, husband, and Miss Butters! I cannot wait to check out your spreadsheet!

  • Louise Sharpy

    Thank you for sharing these amazing pictures. And your words of travel ! I’m excited you have come back. A comfort to me, and I know we haven’t met , but still getting excited for your posts, tik toks, etc. HAPPY THSNKSGIVING to you all. My Miss MONA (beagle) gives her best to Miss FUZZY BUTTERS. I also spend time with my 93 old mom , my daughter, my man and some some family. I have 10 other brothers and sisters. 🤨🤨😜they all live around. They are 4 here in Az looking forward to your posts ! Thanks Michele

  • Christina

    What a lovely meditation on the joys of travel and of home. Thank you Michele for all you share with us. And thanks for the spreadsheet and the amazing discount!

  • Julie Swann

    I’m grateful for YOU, Michele, along with my other blessings. I think it’s so valuable that you remind us of that practice and part of what draws me to your vlog, in particular, is your honesty. May we all experience good health, passion and thankfulness!

  • Annette

    So good to see you Michele! You look great on a camel!! Thanks so much for sharing your adventure(s) and thanks for the great spreadsheet. You always go the extra mile. Now I am off to look at your store sale! Love, Annette (Armonk, NY)

  • Julie Swann

    So enjoyed this post and also your candid vlog posts (been watching old ones)! Thanks

  • Kerri

    Quick note: link broken….when you click on the tom ford eyeshadow quad, the chanel lipstick link pops up.

    • admin

      Thank you so much!!

  • Christina

    What a truly gorgeous site – such perfect design and calm look mixed with content that has your unique voice.

  • LaShae'

    LOVING your new blog. Congratulations!!

  • Charli

    Fabulous! Such a beautiful blog! Congratulations Michele! x Charli

  • Louise Sharpy

    I am so very excited for you ! I love the new logo , and I’m so excited for this sweatshirt. It’s so you ! Congratulations. Love you and I am so proud of you. Xo long time follower xo

  • Keyna

    This is just like you beautiful, sophisticated and fun.
    Best wishes

  • Tammy

    Hi. Where can I see more photos of the shirt would love to purchase one
    Thank you