How to set goals you’ll actually stick to

Ah… another new year. Another time to reflect and to try to become the best possible version of ourselves.

But what does that really look like? It means we need to exercise regularly, eat healthy, have a job that fulfills us, pursue our hobbies, have a blossoming social life, be attentive and caring lovers, be there for our friends and family when they need us… and on and on.

Becoming the best version of ourselves sounds mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting. And it is. That’s why only 9% of people actually stick to the New Year’s resolutions they set for themselves.

Want to set goals in 2024 that you’ll actually stick to? Here’s how:

1. Reflect on the past year and focus on your successes not just your stresses

Thanks to our negativity bias, it is much easier to focus on our stressors instead of our successes. Before you set new goals, reflect on the past year and notice your successes and accomplishments.

What happiness came into your life this year? What ended up working really well for you? No matter how small, try to focus on good things that happened this year and identify what you did to make them happen.?

Reflecting on life’s?delicious moments ?and understanding our role in creating them is essential for staying motivated to reach our goals and focus on the journey – not just the destination.

When it comes to stressors, what could you have done better or differently? Did you get too overwhelmed or busy? Did you set your expectations too high?

When you know what doesn’t work, you can make small shifts to focus on what will.

2. Pick ONE thing, be specific, and start small

Trying to change too much equals no change at all. If your resolution last year was to be healthier, you may have tried to start a workout routine, stop drinking, and eat more veggies. But then… it’s the end of January, you’re chowing down on a burger and a beer, and you DID go to the gym… a few times… but then fell off because, y’know, life.?

Trying to stop all bad habits is simply too much. So this time around, be sure to?stick to ONE thing ?and make it as specific as possible.?

In an ideal world, we have balance everywhere. But becoming truly resilient requires shifting our focus to the area that needs the most attention and allocating time there without apology.?

Sometimes it’s family, sometimes it’s work, sometimes it’s ourselves. Whatever it is for you, just know that it’s okay to focus on just one area of your life when setting your goal – you can always add on to it once you’ve started to build the habit.

For example, if you find yourself over committed, set a specific goal to say “no” to things that suck your joy and energy. Every time you say yes to something you don’t want to do, you say no to something that is important to you. When deciding what to add to your plate, ask yourself, “Is this something I really want to do? Will this give me energy or take it away? What will I have to say no to if I say yes to this?”

3. Just because you get off track doesn’t mean you have to completely derail

You are human. You will mess up. That’s okay. Pick up where you left off and keep going. Tracking your progress is a great way to sustain motivation. If you can’t measure and track it, you can’t manage it. Plus, research has shown that people who track their progress on goals are more likely to stick to and achieve them.

Don’t forget to share your progress with others. People who have an accountability partner are up to 65% more likely to reach their goals.

If you slip up, acknowledge it, reassess and move on.?

The Best Version of You

You are freaking amazing. Seriously. Look at all you have accomplished and overcome! Don’t forget that.

Adding small, specific goals helps you become the best possible version of yourself. And remember, these don’t have to be achievement oriented. Your goal may be to protect your peace and mental health, be more present with friends and family, or take deep breaths throughout the day.