Introduction: Welcome to October, dear listeners! If you're tuning in today, it's the early part of this promising month. As we embrace October, we're also mindful of the fact that we're nearing the end of the year. For those who approach life in quarters, this is your last chance to achieve the goals you've set for the year.

For many of us, the journey through infertility has added a unique layer of complexity to our goal-setting. In this episode, we'll explore how setting goals and cultivating habits can be especially empowering for those who've faced fertility challenges.

The Series: This episode marks the beginning of a multi-part series. While we'll provide valuable insights today, the series will continue with subsequent episodes that build upon these principles. Our aim is to help you understand that, despite the challenges of infertility, you have the capacity to achieve your dreams and goals.

Redefining Goals as Habits: Before we dive into the details, let's reframe how we think about goals. Often, when we hear the word "habit," we think of negative behaviors we're trying to overcome. However, we can view habits as new, positive elements we wish to incorporate into our lives—tools that will help us reach our goals.

Goals as Habits: Many of us who have experienced infertility have a history of being goal-oriented. We're accustomed to setting our sights on targets and pursuing them with determination. However, infertility can sometimes shake our confidence in our ability to achieve our goals. Let's start thinking of these goals as habits we're determined to cultivate.

Brainstorming: Start by brainstorming what you desire more of in your life and where you'd like to intensify your focus. Grab a journal or some paper and list all the things that resonate with you. Perhaps you've heard someone talk about something and thought, "I wish I could be someone who does that." Well, it's time to identify those desires.

My Personal Habits: To illustrate, let me share my own goals for this month and the final quarter of the year. I've chosen three habits I want to nurture, and these are especially important to me as I've navigated the challenges of infertility:

1. Regular Exercise: Committing to at least three sessions of physical activity per week. Exercise has been a source of strength and resilience during my fertility journey.

2. Daily Vitamin Intake: After concluding my fertility treatments, I developed an aversion to vitamins. Now, I'm ready to reintroduce daily vitamin consumption into my routine, prioritizing my overall health.

3. Meal Planning: I want to engage in meal planning at least four days a week. This practice helps me make intentional choices about what I eat, which is essential for my well-being during this journey.

Adjusting Habits: I call these "habits" rather than goals because they're actions I wish to integrate into my daily life. It's crucial to consider how frequently you're willing to perform these habits. Start with achievable numbers, and if needed, be open to adjusting them as you progress.

Plan and Prioritize: As you brainstorm your own habits or goals, also consider their importance and feasibility. What impact will they have on your life, particularly in the context of infertility? Are these high-impact habits, or are some less crucial and can be postponed?

Conclusion: This marks the conclusion of Part One of our series on achieving goals through habits, with a special emphasis on the challenges of infertility. I encourage you to dedicate some time to brainstorming your own habits or goals, rank them by importance and feasibility, and understand the profound reasons behind them.

In our next episode, Part Two, we'll delve deeper into the process of creating and maintaining impactful habits, providing you with additional insights and practical advice. Stay tuned as we continue to support you on your journey toward goal achievement amidst the complexities of infertility.