Let’s be real, it’s easy to make resolutions and much harder to stick to them. So how do we make sure we don’t give up on our New Year’s resolutions by February? Here’s your guide to setting goals you can actually achieve.
Get Clear on What You Want
What exactly do you want to achieve? How will you know when you’ve achieved it? The first step in setting goals is knowing what you truly want. This might sound simple, but it can be tough to narrow down your dreams into clear, specific goals. Instead of setting vague resolutions like “I want to get fit” or “I want to be successful,” try to get specific.
Don’t say “I want to save money,” rather set a clear goal like, “I want to save R500 each month to build an emergency fund.” The clearer you are, the easier it is to plan.
Break It Down into Smaller Steps
Big goals can feel overwhelming, and that’s often why we give up on them. Breaking your goal down into smaller, manageable steps makes it less intimidating and more achievable. Think of it like climbing a mountain – you can’t get to the top in one giant leap, but you can take it step by step.
For example, If your goal is to start your own business, break it down into smaller tasks: research your market, write a business plan, register your business, and start promoting your product or service.
Set SMART Goals
SMART goals are a popular method because they help you create realistic and actionable plans. SMART stands for:
- Specific: Your goal should be clear and specific.
- Measurable: You should be able to track your progress.
- Achievable: Make sure your goal is realistic.
- Relevant: Your goal should matter to you and align with your values.
- Time-bound: Set a deadline for your goal.
“I want to read 12 books this year” is a SMART goal. It’s specific (12 books), measurable (you can track your progress), achievable (if you commit to one book a month), relevant (if reading is important to you), and time-bound (by the end of the year).
Write It Down and Visualize It
There’s power in putting your goals down on paper. Writing them down makes them feel more real and helps you stay focused. Take it a step further by visualizing yourself achieving your goal. What will it feel like? What will your life look like when you’ve achieved it? The more vividly you can picture it, the more motivated you’ll be to make it happen.
Create a vision board with pictures, words, and quotes that represent your goals. Hang it up somewhere you’ll see it every day for a daily dose of inspiration.
Create a Plan of Action
A goal without a plan is just a wish. Once you’ve set your goal, create a detailed plan for how you’re going to achieve it. Think about what actions you need to take, what resources you’ll need, and what challenges you might face.
If your goal is to get better grades, your plan might include setting aside 2 hours every evening for studying, joining a study group, and asking for extra help from your teachers when needed.
Find Your Why
Knowing why you want to achieve your goal can be a powerful motivator. Your “why” is the deeper reason behind your goal – the thing that will keep you going when you feel like giving up. Take some time to think about why this goal matters to you and how it will improve your life.
If your goal is to get fit, your “why” might be to have more energy, feel more confident, or take better care of your health so you can be around for your loved ones.
Track Your Progress and Celebrate Wins
Tracking your progress is a great way to stay motivated. Keep a journal, use an app, or create a checklist to see how far you’ve come. Remember to celebrate your wins along the way, no matter how small they are. Every step forward is progress.
Tip: If you’ve hit a milestone, reward yourself! It could be something simple like a movie night, a nice meal, or taking a day off to relax.
Be Kind to Yourself When Things Don’t Go as Planned
Let’s be honest – things don’t always go according to plan. Life happens, and sometimes we face setbacks or challenges that make it hard to stick to our goals. If you stumble or fall behind, don’t beat yourself up. It’s okay to make mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them, adjust your plan if needed, and keep going.
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