Setting Goals and Priorities

Plan to reduce stress in your life

It has been said that our goals are dreams with plans. If this is true then we can simply write down what we want to achieve and step by step our dreams will turn into our reality. But, we have to “get started” for anything to happen. But for a minute let’s think about why we are grateful. This does not have to be complicated process. It can be writing these things down in a notebook or look at a photo album of people you are grateful to have in your life.

Even experiences such as watching a child sleep is something to be grateful for. Doing this gives us a perspective and a sense of control not that corrections professionals need this! How grateful we are to get back home in our own bed after a trip, or to enjoy our mothers special dish or even the check from the IRS! Gratitude makes us feel good, improves our self-esteem and just plain is good for us. If you happen to struggle with this step, look around, there is always someone who needs more than we do. This thing called gratitude helps us realize what we may want to work on for our future.

Goals help give us the plan that we all need. Goals provide us a map somewhat. They give us perspective. They give us meaning in tough times. They give us focus. They give us purpose. They inspire us to reach for the stars we can have.

First —we need to review what have we already accomplished. Write down things you have done that make you proud. Are you a dedicated spouse, parent, friend or employee? Really think about this. Are you a caring person, have a funny sense of humor? Or are you the one on your shift who always is a team player? Will take any post willingly to help? Have you taken some educational courses in order to improve yourself? Are you active in your community? Really look at what good things you have done in your life. Write these down.

Second —we need to ask ourselves what do we want to change? Our health, position, get more organized, quit smoking, spend more time with family? Take some time and really search for this. It can be simple or more complex. You decide and of course write it down.

Third —turn this information into your goal. But remember it has to be about you and only you. So “I” and “me” should be in your sentence. Write as if you already have achieved it. Include the benefit of achieving the goal. And remember to set a deadline. An example: I will save $10.00 per week starting February 1, 2010 to have a down-payment to purchase a home in 2011.

Remember these tips:
1. It takes 21 days to develop a habit.
2. Focus on progress not perfection.
3. Strive for balance in your life. 5. Sometimes you have to say “No” or “No for Now”.
5. Know what is really important to your life-these are non-negotiables. They represent your priorities. Examples are dinner with family, reading time with children, spiritual time, etc.

We can reduce stress associated with not knowing! When we are prepared, we function better, and with a lower stress level as an employee, spouse, partner, parent, child, friends and any other role in life.
So, let’s get planning—time is ticking!

Angel Martin, MSW, GSW
Senior Manager, Critical Incident Stress Management
The mission of the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) program is expanding to include topics that may be of interest to staff dealing with stress in everyday life, and not just at work. This month, the focus is on setting goals and priorities as a way to reduce stress in your life.

January 2010