Set goals not resolutions

Many view New Years as a fresh start and that’s why we create resolutions. We all go into the New Year with the best intentions but did you know 80% of new year’s resolutions fail by February? Now we are in May, where are you with yours? For most, they are forgotten about completely

Often made in the spirit of celebrating with no thought into the plan to achieve them means a few months later we give up.

However, all hope is not lost as resolutions are more attainable when you make them a goal and set a process to achieve them.

Physically write down your goals

This is key! Mentally listing goals poses the risk of setting vague ones that can be forgotten. Physically writing your goals down and getting crystal clear on what you want is the best way to focus your mind on achieving. Seeing it in front of you and frequently re-visiting it will really ensure you hone in on your goals.

Be clear on your why?

Know your why. This is the true purpose of your goal. In order to keep you motivated to achieve your goal you have to know the true driver. For example, setting the goal of making more money may seem like motivation enough but when things get challenging it may no longer seem worth it. However, making money so you can better provide for your family for example pushes most to keep moving forward, including through the tough times.

Believe in YOU and take action

At this stage you may have no idea how you are going to achieve your goals. Regardless, you must have absolute belief in the fact that you will achieve them and find a way to. Operating with this fame of mind is going to be a key factor in your success. A goal will become an absolute must when you believe there is no option but to succeed. You will do whatever it takes and find the answers when you need to.

Track your progress

As part of the goal setting it is important to identify how you will measure and track your progress. If the goal is weight loss, how will you measure it? Is it a target scale weight or a target clothing size? Equally as important is to set reasonable timelines and check how you are doing along the way and adjusting your plan if necessary.

Don’t give up!

There will be challenging times and setbacks but do not give up. Accept that there will be these times. Re-visit the timeline and plan if required during these times. Ask yourself what would happen if I gave up now? Would you be unhappy due to the cost of giving up? What would happen if you kept going? You’d achieve your goal and be happy? So, why would you give up….

Commit to change

You must make the decision that you’re going to commit to change. Any new goal is a change to some aspect of your life so fully commit to being able to make this change happen. When you commit to change your mind will become results focussed.

Celebrate Success and Enjoy the Process

Finally, celebrate your successes however big or small. It’s easy to become goal focussed and continue to move to bigger and better goals. But take the time to celebrate where you have achieved because quite often at the start of the journey you may not have known how to achieve your goal and faced challenges along the way. You overcame all of this! This will also give you the evidence and momentum to know you can achieve your next goal, whatever that may be.

….and remember to give yourself the permission to enjoy the process!

Long lasting change isn’t about making resolutions because of the time of the year and because everyone is doing it; it’s about knowing why you want your outcome and fully committing to making your goals happen. Clear goal setting is a great habit.  By utilising the process shared you have every chance in achieving the goals that really matter to you.

Do you agree?