No Better Time to Restart Than Right Now

By Brandon Swenson July 22, 2020

Hitting the reset button on your goals

Have you found yourself wondering where the first half of the year has gone? Between stay-at-home orders, uncertainty about the future and dramatically different daily routines, the first six months of 2020 have made for quite the roller coaster.

If your 2020 goals were blindsided by the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re not alone. But there’s no need to give up on your aspirations for the year, even if they might look a little different now than what you imagined on January 1. In fact, this shakeup could actually be an opportunity to refocus on what matters most and to get back on track with your life goals before the year is over.

Taking a moment to pause

If there is one silver lining to come of the COVID-19 crisis, it’s the chance to pause. We often move quickly from one job to another, from one chapter of our lives to the next, without taking much time to be intentional about our transitions. It is so easy to get caught up in our day-to-day routines and a culture of busyness. And that is exactly where many of us were before this global health crisis.

Social distancing and isolation protocols have forced us off the hamster wheel—and not necessarily with a quick replacement for our old habits. It’s important to stop and take a breath every now and then. Take advantage of this unique time in history to do just that. If you are questioning your direction in life or thinking about making a change, this is the perfect opportunity to reevaluate your purpose or your career. If you were enthusiastic about your goals but have recently lost a little steam, now is a great time to reignite that passion.

Try this simple journal exercise to brainstorm the things you want to accomplish: As quickly as you can, write down 100 things you want to do in life. Don’t censor yourself, no matter how big or small or outlandish your ideas may seem in the moment.

When you’re finished, read over your list. You might find that you’ve listed some of your longest-treasured goals, but you may also surprise yourself with some unexpected aspirations. Decide what goals you might want to focus on over the next one, five or even ten years.

Making your first move

Once you have a sense of direction, you can make your first move.

There’s no need to feel obligated to learn a new language or master the art of breadmaking during these quarantine days (though hats off if you do). There are plenty of small steps you can take right now that will help you achieve your goals and set yourself up for future success.

Break your goals down into smaller steps until you get to an action item that you can do today. Will you need to read a certain book? Earn a certification? Expand your network? If you’re interested in pursuing a new career or postsecondary education, that first step could be researching the necessary qualifications or reassessing your résumé.

Staying committed to your goals

They say a goal without a plan is just a wish. We may not know exactly how long this pandemic is going to last, but we do know that it will end—and that it’s important to have a plan for the post-COVID-19 world. Use this to make some forward progress, no matter how incremental. Your future self will thank you.

Creating a five- or ten-minute journaling routine at the beginning or end of your day, for instance, can serve as an invaluable way to check in with yourself and your goals. Even the simplest reminder of what you’re working toward can make a huge difference in the staying power of your vision for the future.

Are you looking for a 100% online program to support your goals? Our admissions team would love to talk to you about enrolling in a life-enhancing degree or certificate program. Request more information here!