When I got Lyme disease, all my future goals were no longer realistic, and I had put a hold on creating any new ones for a while. As my health started to improve, I began to feel more inspired and motivated to think of future possibilities.

Having goals has always been important in my life and doing so has helped me have something new to aim for. It gave me a purpose. When you are ready to start creating new goals, start with one at a time so it does not feel overwhelming. Make it a goal that you can accomplish.

Exercise 1:

Try these steps out for yourself:

First, define what your goals are. After a chronic illness diagnosis, it is common for people to experience a crisis of identity. Suddenly, they do not know how they fit in their world anymore.

One of the greatest things to help you move forward into fulfillment is to set goals for what you want out of your life. Are they the same or different than before?

Make a list of the goals you want to accomplish, so you have something to reflect on when you are trying to decide how to spend your time.

Next, make a detailed list of tasks associated with accomplishing those goals. One of the most powerful energies in the universe is the energy of momentum. Lists like this help you gain momentum with every checkbox you get to tick off as you complete it. Make sure you list the steps out clearly and celebrate every time you accomplish a step.

Separate what you can outsource and what you want to do yourself. One of the most beneficial things you can do as someone with a chronic illness is to stop trying to do it all. Even people without chronic illnesses struggle to do it all, so it is time to start being more intentional with your actions.

What are the things that you do not enjoy doing or that would be easier to hand to someone else? This might be getting someone else to do the dishes, clean the bathrooms, cook the meals, take care of the lawn, or any number of chores or tasks.

If you’re not sure if something can be outsourced, but you know you definitely don’t want to do it, put it on the outsourcing list and get help figuring out if it’s something that you can have someone else take off your plate.

Another helpful tool I found to use is called SMART Goals. A SMART Goal is a carefully planned, clear, and trackable objective. It stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based. https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/other/smart-goal/

Using the SMART Goal framework helped me set boundaries and define the steps I needed to take, the resources necessary to get there, and the milestones that indicated the progress I was making. You are more likely to achieve your goal efficiently and effectively with SMART Goals.

An example of using SMART Goals with your physical health:

Goal 1: I want to work out every day

*Specific: I will work out every morning at 6:00 am to lose x lbs.

*Measurable: I will work out every day for one month for 30 minutes

*Attainable: I will work out for 30 minutes each day and keep track of each work out on my app/schedule

*Rewarding: Working out every day allows me to have more energy for the whole day

*Time-bound: My workouts/weight will be completed and tracked for one month

Exercise 2:

Try creating your own SMART goals this week. Choose just one goal that you feel is attainable and not overwhelming. Move on to a new goal going forward each week.

Your Physical Health:

*Specific:

*Measurable:

*Attainable:

*Rewarding:

*Time-bound:

Your intellectual health:

*Specific:

*Measurable:

*Attainable:

*Rewarding:

*Time-bound:

Your emotional health:

*Specific:

*Measurable:

*Attainable:

*Rewarding:

*Time-bound:

Your spiritual health:

*Specific:

*Measurable:

*Attainable:

*Rewarding:

*Time-bound:

Your relationships:

*Specific:

*Measurable:

*Attainable:

*Rewarding:

*Time-bound:

Parenting:

*Specific:

*Measurable:

*Attainable:

*Rewarding:

*Time-bound:

Your financial life/Money:

*Specific:

*Measurable:

*Attainable:

*Rewarding:

*Time-bound:

Your work/life purpose:

*Specific:

*Measurable:

*Attainable:

*Rewarding:

*Time-bound: