Beginning a new year is such an optimistic time. It feels like a fresh start as the calendar rolls into a new year. As 2022 comes to a close, take the time to sit down and write out all of your goals for the new year. Think about the things that truly matter to you and your loved ones. Goals can be big or small, the sky is the limit.
Is aging in place one of your goals? Is retirement in your near future? It might be time to start planning for the next stage of life. As we age, our needs within our home begin to change. Planning for this stage can never start too early and is crucial if you want to successfully remain in the home you love long after you retire.
But first, let's talk about how to set your goals and a few tips on how to stay focused in 2023.
#1. Make sure to thoroughly write out your goals. Add as many details as you wish. Then, pull those goals out once a month and review them. Make note of your progress. You can also put your list of goals somewhere where they are easily seen. Tape them up in your bathroom so that you see them every day. Save them as your screensaver on your laptop or the background of your cell phone.
#2. Create goals for different areas of your life. Focusing on the same things all the time can begin to feel frustrating. For example, you may not be able to retire at this moment, but it's a goal. You can, however, begin to prepare your home for that phase of life. It doesn't even have to be big changes. For instance, you can begin the decluttering process and get rid of items that could potentially be tripping hazards. You can even make it a goal to put back a certain amount of money every month to go towards your aging in place goals.
#3. Set goals that are realistic and attainable. While the new year has a tendency to make us feel like we can conquer the world, it's best to set goals that are within our reach. For example, your overall goal is to age in place at home for the remainder of your life. That's your master plan. THIS YEAR your goal could be to update your bathroom to accommodate a changing lifestyle or add a home elevator/stairlift. These small goals can help you to achieve your main goal. It's all about baby steps. Reaching for the main goal without the small goals is a daunting task and can often times lead to a feeling of defeat.
#4. Make goals that are measurable. Instead of writing, "I'm going to prepare my home for aging in place by the end of the year", try "I would like to meet with an aging in place expert and formulate a plan in the first quarter of the year". This is a measurable goal. You have a deadline in mind, and you can measure your success. This helps you to feel accomplished when you do meet your goal and keep you motivated to work towards the next one.
#5. Work towards your goals with your spouse, partner, or loved ones. Working towards your goals with someone instead of by yourself tends to have a higher success rate. There is someone to hold you accountable. When you are working towards a goal by yourself, it's easier to just give up and quit because no one will notice. With a partner, you both can work towards the goal together. It's bound to be easier and probably more fun when you're working together.
#6. Reward yourself when you achieve your goal. When all the work is done and you have finally reached your goal, take time to enjoy the moment. Treat yourself to something special as a reward for all of your hard work. If you've taken a step towards preparing your home for aging in place, sit down and enjoy the upgrades to your home. If you've remodeled your bathroom, take a moment and spend time adding little finishes that make you happy. Decorative accents, new bath towels, etc. Treat yourself for all of your hard work! You are more likely to make and stick to goals in the next new year if you can remember reaping the rewards when you met your goals in this coming year.
These are just a few tips and tricks that can help you stick to your goals. When it comes to aging in place and preparing for your retirement years, LiveWell Mobility can help to keep you on track. The first step in your goal should be to give us a call. We offer a free in-home assessment with one of our Accessibility Consultants who are aging in place experts. They can help to identify areas of your home that could be a concern in later years and also put together a plan to fix all of these problem areas. We work within your budget and can provide you with a safe, comfortable living space that you will love for years to come. Give us a call today!
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