Three New Year's goal-setting tips
'Tis the season for setting goals and resolutions — hoping to grow in some way over the next 12 months. If you’re like me and are prone to setting high and lofty goals that are hard for even the most disciplined to accomplish, I invite you to make this year different by starting a little smaller. The results won’t be any less important, but perhaps the less pressure you put on yourself and the more grace you afford yourself as you seek to be more intentional will lead to a more productive year.
Here are my three New Year’s goal-setting tips:
Don't set too many goals
While it can be beneficial to set goals for every area of your life (i.e. personal, professional, spiritual, financial, etc.), you can get easily overwhelmed and end up failing to accomplish any of them. Instead, set one to three goals that you can push yourself to meet by the end of the year.
Make sure they are attainable
I will be the first one to encourage you to dream big, but remember, these resolutions or goals are typically something you want to accomplish in the next 12 months, not over the span of five years. Now, if you have a larger mission or vision for yourself, your family or your professional life, what are some things you can accomplish this year that will keep you on track for your larger, previously-established vision?
Keep the rhythm of your day in mind and be honest with your capacity before setting goals that are too large.
Give each goal a deadline
It’s proven that goals with deadlines are met more often than those with ambiguous timelines. Set yourself reminders weekly or monthly to check on your progress, and don’t be afraid to modify your deadline. Remember, affording yourself grace is vital in helping you meet the goals you set for yourself.
Ready to get started? I've got a free downloadable task list and journal pages that will help keep your tasks in line and help you define your "why"!
Set yourself up for success
You don't want to go through the trouble of setting goals without having a system in place that helps you meet them. This is where a planner or a mobile app can change the game by providing reminders and checklists to keep you on track. On my next podcast episode, a planner friend and I will dive into the systems we use to ensure we don't become complacent and are always growing in one way or another. It might sound binding to have to carry a planner with you or remember to update an app, but we will share practical ways you can use these tools to create time for what (and who!) matters most by being present in the moment!
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I would love to hear how you plan for success! Share in the comments your favorite resources and I'll mention them on the next podcast episode!
