It's that time of year when the new year's resolutions start to resurface. Did you follow through on last year's? What are you hopeful for in 2024?
It's true that research shows that most people who make resolutions fail: only about 9% of Americans that make resolutions complete them. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't try! And if you're not into new year's resolutions, you can still set some goals that'll help set the tone for 2024 — and put you on the right path for success . . . whatever that means for you!
8 Steps to Setting — and following through on your goals
Step 1: Reflect on the Past
Let's kick things off by taking a stroll down memory lane. Reflect on the past year – the wins, the losses, the lessons learned while binge-watching true crime documentaries. What worked? What didn't? This isn't a guilt trip; it's a fact-finding mission. Grab a cup of coffee, cozy up, and jot down your reflections.
Step 2: Dream Big, Start Small
Now that you've got a grip on where you've been, it's time to figure out where you want to go. Dream big, my friend. Picture yourself achieving those grand aspirations. Whether it's starting a side hustle, learning a new skill, or finally conquering your fear of spiders, let your imagination run wild. Once you've got your dream list, break it down into bite-sized, achievable chunks. What are the things you can do this week, this month, this year to work toward making that big dream happen?
Step 3: Make 'Em S.M.A.R.T.
You've probably heard about S.M.A.R.T. goals, and there's a reason for that. They work! Let's break it down. Your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Instead of saying, "I want to get fit," try "I will jog for 30 minutes, four times a week, for the next two months." The plan is already built into the goal, and you have something really tangible to work toward and keep track of.
Step 4: Get Your Priorities Straight
There's a lot going on in life, and adding resolutions into the mix can feel like shiny object syndrome. Don't get distracted by tasks that aren't important. It's time to prioritize. What's urgent, what's important, and what can wait until after you've had your morning coffee? Make a list, but be ruthless. Not everything needs to be done yesterday. Tackle the big rocks first, and the pebbles will fall into place.
Step 5: Find Your Personal Board of Advisors
Businesses have a board of advisors to, well, advise. They're there to consult, to guide, to listen, to be supportive. No one achieves greatness alone. Think of the people in your life as your personal board of advisors. Who do you want those people to be? Who can you share your goals with? Who will be your cheerleader? Everyone needs some kind of support system. Determine who yours is and don't be afraid to ask for help.
Step 6: Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone
It's true: you're going to stumble every now and then. But here's the deal. Failure isn't the end; it's a pitstop on the road to success. Embrace those hiccups, learn from them, and keep moving forward. Did you skip a workout? It's okay. Acknowledge the setback, be kind to yourself (and remember that rest is productive, too), adjust, and get back on that horse.
Step 7: Celebrate the Wins, Big or Small
Every victory deserves a celebration – whether it's finishing a project ahead of schedule or successfully making it through a horror movie without hiding behind the couch. Take a moment to pat yourself on the back, treat yourself to a victory dance, or indulge in a guilty pleasure. Acknowledging your wins, big or small, fuels the motivation to keep going.
Step 8: Adapt and Evolve
Life is unpredictable, and things happen. Be ready to adapt your goals as circumstances change. Your priorities may change as well, and the things that mattered to you in January might not matter to you in June. That's okay. Embrace that, and follow what's important to you now and guiding your life forward. Maybe that promotion at work opens up new opportunities, or perhaps a global pandemic throws a curveball your way. Roll with the punches, adjust your goals accordingly, and remember that flexibility is the key to long-term success.
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