Guest post by Tanja Bischofberger

Have you set a specific goal for this year? I don’t mean a vague resolution you made after looking at the bathroom scale or while catching your breath after a quick sprint to the bus stop. What I mean is a real goal that has more to do with your inner self than you might imagine. On your journey to achieving this goal, you have the opportunity to learn a lot about yourself and to get to know yourself better. Sometimes this is much more important than reaching the goal in the end.

If you analyse your goal a little more closely before you start, you can already prepare yourself for possible obstacles. Or you may suddenly discover downsides or consequences that you hadn’t thought of. It would be a pity to invest your time and energy in such an endeavour. Use this time to look inside yourself and find out what really motivates you to tackle a particular goal. The following seven questions will help you on your journey of discovery:

1st question: How are you doing right now? Just notice how you’re feeling at this moment. Is there tension in your body, do you often think about the same things? Also, reflect on the experiences and events of this year that have led to your current state of mind. What are you grateful for? What hasn’t been resolved yet and demands your attention? It may feel strange to you to be completely in the present instead of making plans for the future at the start of a new project. However, this moment in the here and now will help you realise what you really want.

2nd question: What is calling you? In moments of silence, you can hear your inner voice or intuition telling you something specific. Maybe it is helpful if you ask yourself this question while looking at the flame of a candle or a beautiful picture. Writing, painting or other creative forms of expression can also be used as a way to listen to your heart. What are the things you want to achieve in the coming year that you are willing to take on challenges for? Now formulate your goal!

3rd question: Who is on your side? Trying to achieve a goal on your own can be quite appealing. You want to surprise those around you with your success, or you want to deal with possible failure without having to tell anyone about it. Nor do you want to tell the whole world about your plans. Try to find people who have perhaps set the same goal for themselves or have already achieved it and who can give you valuable tips. Be sure to involve some of your closest friends. They will be there for you, motivate you or comfort you. 4th question: What is your first step? The usual resolutions go like this: “From now until forever”. These are big words that can also be a bit scary. What you need first of all is an idea for how to start. While it’s nice to imagine how you will tackle certain steps on your journey, you should start by formulating a first step. This step should signal to you: “Now I’ve started, it’s time to go!” It can be a small ritual, sometimes even the conscious crossing of a bridge can be helpful.

5th question: How do you deal with obstacles? Try to think about possible problems you might encounter on your way to your goal. Are there people or situations that would stop you from pursuing your plan? Recall experiences from your past, you are the one who knows yourself best. Think about things that will help you in such times of adversity and create a first aid box: Who could you call when you need cheering up? Write a note inviting you to spend a moment in silent reflection. Is there a book with motivational texts? Which songs make you feel good? Sometimes a favourite scent or a bubble bath can help. You can also put chocolate in the box. Keep adding things that bring you happiness. Then, when you are in the middle of the battle, get support from your box.

6th question: How do you know you’ve reached your goal? This may seem like a strange question to you. However, just like the fourth question, try to be very specific. Just aiming for a goal will not motivate you all the way. You should have a clear idea of what you will be like when you reach your goal. Will you be able to do something that is not possible for you at the moment? What will be different about yourself and within you than it is now? Try to connect your goal to yourself as much as possible. Having this clear picture of yourself will help you on your way.

7th question: What will your life be like after you have reached your goal? It doesn’t matter whether you have set yourself a big or a small goal. Either way, journeys like this one will always result in personal development. You will not be the same person you were before you started. Since you are also part of a community, this change will affect your environment. Your view of everyday things may change. The question is hypothetical, but no less exciting: How will your friends and family see you once you have reached your goal? How will they recognise your change? What will your everyday life be like? How do you feel about your goal now? The seven questions will not save you from unforeseen obstacles. As with most things, being well prepared can contribute significantly to reaching your goal in the end. Still, every journey begins with the first step. And you can take the first step by welcoming the new year full of confidence, motivation and joy.

About the author: Tanja Bischofberger is a coach and intuition trainer. Through several years of training, she has realised that everyone can develop their intuition. And thus bring more serenity and contentment into one’s life. In her practice, she accompanies her clients to their goals and through upcoming changes using the symbolic hero’s journey, with a focus on the topic of intuition.

(Picture Source: rawpixel auf Unsplash)