Goal setting is key when talking about stress reduction. Much of our anxiety and stress often comes from not knowing or being happy with the following: what our purpose is, the direction in which we are heading, where we would like to end up and what actions we need to take to get us there. Without figuring out all of those things, our daily life can leave us feeling stuck, unmotivated and unable to keep pushing towards a more balanced and meaningful life.⁣

Here are some actionable prompts that you can assist you in finding some direction and take you from a feeling of overwhelm to more clarity around where you are heading.

Step 1. What is your purpose? Are you truly happy with what you are currently doing? What do you envision doing instead? And your passions? How about your values when it comes to work?⁣  

Step 2. Set clear goals and objectives. Write out where you want to be in 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months.⁣

Step 3. Make a realistic plan in order to achieve these goals and be patient with them.

Step 4. Understand the actions that you will need to take in order to achieve your goals. Do you need to study more? Do you need to spend less and save more? ⁣Do you need to move more?  
For example if you want to buy a house, chances are you probably won’t have a deposit within a year but you probably will within two years.⁣

Step 5. Break down larger projects into little chunks. Make a list and tick things off as you go. This way you will feel like you are being productive.⁣ 

Step 6. Prioritise what is most important to you and what holds the highest value in your life.

Step 7. Take time out every couple of weeks to review your progress. Are you meeting your expectations and targets? Do you need to make some changes to your current plan? ⁣