Summer Goal Setting

June 1, 2011

Have you thought about what your summer goals might be yet? What do you want to accomplish by fall 2011? In Michigan we have the opportunity to do and participate in many things outdoors that some of us avoid in the winter months. It may be time to visit the beach again and plan to climb the dunes (a few times!!!). Maybe it is time to explore one of our many State Parks and hike the trails or kayak along the lakeshore or river.

Perhaps you could participate in the Bridge Walk on Mackinac Island this fall (Labor Day, September 5), and train for it over the next 3 months.

How about geocaching? Geocaching is a fun activity that more and more people are trying. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment. We know that geocaching is good exercise, particularly when caching in the countryside; plus the mental challenge of thinking like the person that placed the cache that make the mind and body work together to solve the puzzle. Visit the Michigan Geocaching Organization website to find out how to get started: http://www.mi-geocaching.org

One place to begin your search for hundreds of local events is the Pure Michigan website: http://www.michigan.org

Whatever interests you, the steps to getting there are the same. Begin by writing down your goal. Then think about what you’d like to have accomplished by the 4th of July and write down three habits you’d like to be doing toward completion of your goal. Then write 2-3 actionable things to do this week toward those July (half-way!) habits.

To reinforce your success, enlist a friend to join you and be accountable to them, your spouse, kids or trainer!

Take this summer to engage your senses, get outdoors, and enjoy working toward that goal!