Out with the old, in with the new. If you are like me, this is a time of excitement and of renewal to make this year the best year yet! I have often started out that way, only to look back 11 or 12 months later and realize I did not really complete the “resolutions” that I had set for myself. Doh..
Sometimes I just laugh/cry.. and do a “carry over” to the next year, “Oh ok, so I didn’t do THAT resolution, let’s try that again in 2016, see if that works”. ?
That is a winning plan right there I’d say!
Do you do this? Please tell me I am not the only one. ?
Well, maybe we are doing it wrong. Actually I know we are. Otherwise we would all be reaching our goals every damn day of the week and that just isn’t happening. Change can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be.
I think a lot of people make vague or unrealistic resolutions for themselves in January and then the resolutions usually fade into oblivion by mid-february. I think this happens because we are missing some integral pieces of the puzzle.
Let’s get into it..
Resolutions vs Goals:
These are my thoughts on it.
Resolutions can be more of a firm and permanent change to your lifestyle – “ I will quit smoking or I will be healthy this year” while goals are usually more of a specific achievement, “I will walk 3 times a week, or I will run a half marathon this June”, or “I will put 250$ away in my savings account each pay cheque”. So, maybe if we set small goals we will reach our resolutions?
Since, for example what happens if you hit your goal and run a half marathon, do you quit after that? Or maybe it ties into your resolution to “lose weight” or “get healthier”.
Perhaps all our goals funnel into the overall lifestyle “resolution”, ya dig?
That is my perspective on it so far. Maybe we need both. The resolution is the end goal, the goals in between will get you there.
Goal Setting for Success:
Find your why:
You need to know why and where you are heading with this goal. It is easier to reach a destination when you have a clear road map and a true reason that matters to you.
Ex: “ I want to get healthier, so that I feel better, my back doesn’t hurt and I have the energy to play with my kids”.
Break the goals down:
Short mini goals are a great way to build momentum. “I will have lemon water each morning before breakfast”, “I will eat a healthy breakfast each morning this week” or “I will pack healthy snacks for my work week and remember to eat them” (set a reminder in phone).
Set a timeline:
When do you want to reach your goal by? Set a date and stick to it.
Track Progress:
Try to measure your progress consistently. Consider having 1 small goal a week that supports your overall end goal. They will build on each other and become a habit.
How will you know if you reached your goal? Is it measurable? ex: Your debt is lowering to X, or your energy is improving since you started, or you can now walk 5KM in under 1 hour etc.
Always keep them handy:
Seriously. Keep the goal handy and nearby to review – A day planner is a great idea! Check out passion planner as they have some pretty awesome day planners. Or even take a pic of your goal written down and put it on your cell phone screen background. It is way too easy to forget about your goal when it is out of sight.
Accountability:
Do you know someone that you can include with your goals, such as a running buddy, a walking buddy as creating accountability is a great way to stay on track. We sometimes have a harder time saying no or letting others down then we do ourselves.
Don’t set too many big goals:
Reaching small clear goals will build momentum and create a snowball effect. You will be a goal crushing machine! This will build confidence and it is inspiring when you can see your success. Celebrate your mini successes!
Focus on the positive:
What has worked for you in the past? What do you enjoy doing? Do you hate the gym but love hiking? When did you feel your healthiest? What did you do differently when you were feeling your healthiest/happiest?
Do more of what you like and less of what you don’t like. Do not force something that you don’t enjoy doing as change will be much more difficult if you don’t enjoy it.
Ex: This is why the gym is not for everyone! There a million ways to exercise and move your body, find what you enjoy and do more of that. ?
So, are you ready to share your 2016 goals?
Let’s discuss ova on facebook! I would love to hear them ?
Are you diggin these tips for reaching your goals in 2016?
If you would like to make a change in 2016 then I would love to connect for a quick ‘discovery call’ to see how I can help you today!
Cheers to a sweet 2016!
