How to Set Realistic New Year's Resolutions and Stick to Them!
Every year you watch the ball drop, you count down to 1, you cheer and smile and are ready for a new year of opportunity and fresh starts. Most of us make a list of resolutions and goals we want to accomplish and new habits we want to form. On average, it takes about a week for some of us to drop the ball on these goals and resolutions. Don’t worry, this happens with most people every year. However, we are here to help you make realistic goals and be able to stick to them and feel accomplished! Keep reading for a simple step by step on how to achieve your goals this 2024.
Set S.M.A.R.T Goals
Here is the breakdown on how to write SMART goals to create attainable and effective goals.
"SMART" is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It is a framework often used for setting and achieving goals effectively. Here's a breakdown of each component:
1. Specific: Goals should be clear and specific, answering the questions: What do you want to accomplish? Why is it important? How will you achieve it?
Example of a non-specific goal: "Improve fitness."
Example of a specific goal: "Lose 10 pounds in the next two months by exercising three times a week and following a balanced diet."
2. Measurable: Goals should have criteria for tracking progress and determining when the goal is achieved. This helps in quantifying your progress.
Example of a non-measurable goal: "Increase productivity at work."
Example of a measurable goal: "Increase daily work output by 20% over the next month."
3. Achievable: Goals should be realistic and attainable, considering your abilities, resources, and constraints. While it's good to aim high, setting impossible goals can be demotivating.
Example of an unachievable goal: "Become a millionaire overnight."
Example of an achievable goal: "Save $500 per month to create an emergency fund within a year."
4. Relevant: Goals should be aligned with your overall objectives and aspirations. They should be meaningful and contribute to your long-term vision.
Example of an irrelevant goal: "Learn to play the guitar when your passion is painting."
Example of a relevant goal: "Complete an online course in digital marketing to enhance skills for career advancement."
5. Time-bound: Goals should have a specific timeframe for completion. This creates a sense of urgency and helps in prioritizing tasks.
Example of a goal without a timeframe: "Start a blog."
Example of a time-bound goal: "Write and publish two blog posts per week for the next three months."
Applying the SMART criteria to your goals can enhance clarity, motivation, and the likelihood of success.
Have an Accountability System
Creating an effective accountability system can significantly increase the chances of achieving New Year's resolutions. Here are some examples of accountability systems:
1. Accountability Partner:
Find a friend, family member, or colleague who shares a similar goal or is supportive of your resolution.
Regularly check in with each other to discuss progress, share challenges, and offer encouragement.
Having someone to share successes and setbacks with can provide motivation and a sense of shared responsibility.
2. Goal Tracking Apps:
Use goal-tracking apps or habit-building apps that allow you to set specific objectives and track your progress.
Many apps provide reminders, statistics, and visual representations of your achievements, keeping you accountable to your goals.
3. Regular Check-Ins:
Schedule regular check-ins with yourself to review your progress.
Reflect on what's working well, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your action plan accordingly.
Set specific dates for these check-ins, such as weekly or monthly, to stay on track.
5. Reward System:
Establish a reward system tied to your goals.
Define specific milestones and determine rewards for achieving them. This could be a small treat, a day off, or something enjoyable.
Celebrating achievements provides positive reinforcement and helps maintain motivation.
6. Accountability Journal:
Keep a journal where you regularly write about your progress, challenges, and reflections.
This written record can serve as a personal accountability tool, allowing you to track your journey, learn from experiences, and stay focused on your goals.
7. Professional Support:
Consider hiring a coach, mentor, or joining a group with a shared interest or goal.
Professional support provides guidance, expertise, and an additional layer of accountability, as you'll have someone experienced helping you stay on course.
8. Visual Aids:
Create visual representations of your goals, such as a vision board or a progress chart.
Seeing your objectives regularly can serve as a constant reminder and reinforcement of your commitment.
Remember that the effectiveness of an accountability system depends on your personal preferences and the nature of your goals. Combining multiple approaches may provide a well-rounded and robust accountability system.
It’s Ok If Your Goals CHANGE!
As time goes on, what we may want for ourselves may change! That is what makes us human. Here are some ways to reassess and set new milestones.
1. Schedule Regular Review Sessions:
Set specific times throughout the year for goal reviews. This could be monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually, depending on the nature of your goals.
Treat these review sessions as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.
2. Reflect on Achievements and Challenges:
Begin each review session by reflecting on what you've accomplished since the last review.
Celebrate successes and acknowledge challenges without being too hard on yourself.
3. Assess Goal Progress:
Evaluate the progress you've made toward each goal.
Compare your actual achievements with the milestones you initially set.
4. Identify What's Working and What Isn't:
Determine which strategies and actions have been effective in helping you reach your milestones.
Identify any obstacles or aspects that may need adjustment.
5. Adjust or Set New Milestones:
Based on your assessment, adjust existing milestones if necessary. Make them more challenging or realistic, depending on your progress.
Set new milestones that align with the overall trajectory of your goals.
6. Reevaluate Priorities:
Consider whether your priorities or circumstances have changed since you initially set your goals.
Adjust the importance and urgency of your goals to align with your current situation.
7. Seek Feedback and Input:
If applicable, seek feedback from accountability partners, mentors, or trusted individuals who can provide valuable insights.
External perspectives can offer fresh ideas and help you see blind spots.
8. Update Your Action Plan:
Modify your action plan based on the lessons learned and the adjustments you've made.
Ensure that your plan remains realistic, actionable, and aligned with your goals.
9. Document Changes and Learnings:
Keep a record of the changes you've made and the lessons you've learned during each review session.
This documentation can serve as a valuable resource for future goal-setting endeavors.
10. Celebrate Progress:
Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the progress you've made, even if it's incremental.
Positive reinforcement can boost motivation for the next phase.
11. Stay Flexible:
Be flexible and adaptable to change. Life is dynamic, and unforeseen circumstances may arise.
Adjust your goals and milestones as needed to accommodate new information or challenges.
12. Set Stretch Goals:
Periodically challenge yourself by setting stretch goals that go beyond your current comfort zone.
These goals can keep you motivated and drive continuous improvement.
13. Incorporate Learning Goals:
Consider adding learning goals to your plan. These could involve acquiring new skills or gaining knowledge related to your objectives.
Continuous learning can enhance your capabilities and keep your goals relevant.
14. Recommit to Your Goals:
Reaffirm your commitment to your overall goals and the revised milestones.
Visualize the positive outcomes and remind yourself of the reasons why your goals are important to you.
By regularly reassessing your goals and setting new milestones, you create a dynamic and adaptive framework that increases your chances of long-term success. Adjustments and refinements are natural parts of the goal-setting process, allowing you to stay on course and make meaningful progress.
Join Programs That Are Beneficial!
Lucky for you, we have some great programs that are tailored to your individual needs. Choose a program that works best for you and let us know how we can help!
Happy 2024! Let’s make it a great year!
