By Rebecca Rodskog, Rodskog Change Consulting
You open your favorite parenting magazine and there she is:  the mom who has it all.  She's smiling and well-coiffed.  Not only is she succeeding in a career she loves, it seems she has well-adjusted children who love her and a husband in the background cooking dinner.  You probably think one of two things: 1. She can't really be that happy or 2. I can never have that - it's too hard. 

While I don't know every working woman profiled in those magazines, I know for a fact that someone CAN actually be THAT happy, and that someone can be YOU!  You deserve to live your best life.  But you have to have a plan to get there - very few of us just "end up" balanced and happy.  You must take charge of your journey, and that can start today.

Getting you on YOUR Path:  Setting Goals that Align with Your Core Values
Last month we talked about discovering your core values.  That is the foundation of getting on the right path.  If you do not know what those are, you can end up putting a lot of effort into a goal that leads you to a place of feeling unfulfilled.  

Once you are grounded in your core values, you need to figure out your intentions and goals.  Tips for writing intentions and goals:

1. Expect Success.  When you write your goals or intentions, write them as if they have already happened.  Picture what it will look and feel like once you've achieved the goal, and write with specificity and gratitude.  For example, "I am thankful and grateful that I now have clarity and less anxiety around my finances, because I've tracked my expenses, created a budget and have a plan for my retirement in place." This way you define and expect success.  Two important enablers in the process of achieving your goals. 

2. Develop Obtainable Goals. Keep these guidelines in mind:

- Specific: Make the goal as specific as possible so you can picture what it looks like once you've achieved it.  Example:  Be in one off-Broadway production and one independent film vs. "be an actor."

- Measurable: Measurements guide you in defining what success looks like. If possible, attach numbers to goals.  Example: "Be able to run a 5K and lose 10 lbs" vs. "be healthier."

- Dates: Again, be realistic - make sure you weigh the goal with everything else that is happening in your life.

- Relevant: Make sure it aligns with your core values, not just something you think is good or someone else thinks you should do.

- Stretch: Make the goal beyond your reach but not unrealistic.

3. Go Public.  Write it down and tell someone!  Just by doing this, it makes it real and puts you on the path to success.  If possible, get a coach or a buddy who will help hold you accountable on a weekly basis.  At a minimum, tell someone who really cares about your success and happiness and who will check in on your progress every once in a while.

Next Month:  Making the plan and sticking to it:  How to move from goals to success!

Got a question for Rebecca? We'd love to hear from you!
Email: heather@thewellmom.com

Rebecca Rodskog is a NYC based personal life coach, change management consultant, actress and mom.  She has worked with corporations and individuals for over 15 years helping them grow through change in the workplace and at home.  For more information, check out www.rodskog.com.