5 Tips for Setting Goals for 2022 and Beyond
Setting and sticking with a goal like a New Year resolution is one of the biggest challenges for most people, hence, they often are not achieved. The tradition of setting resolutions has become a way for people to set goals which for one reason or another haven’t been set before, or they have been set, attained, and then regression occurred. But with the right approach and commitment, a resolution should be not only attainable, but also motivating and maintainable. They really are a great way to accomplish goals and create positive changes in your life. The key is figuring out what you want to attain, which can be the biggest roadblock towards achievement, and then some planning is in order.
Here are five tips for setting and crushing your goals/resolutions for 2022 and beyond!
1. Determine your goal
The first step in identifying a good New Year resolution is to consider what’s important in your life and what is it that will make the most positive impact for you, both short-term and long-term.
Sit down and ask yourself “what’s important to me that is missing or that I could improve on? “Why is this important to me, and what will the attainment of it do for me? Some examples might be: Eating healthier; Getting fit; lowering stress; sleeping more; making a career change; spending more time with family; being a better friend; or maybe a combination of one or more of these. Or maybe something completely unique to you.
There’s no wrong answer, but it is essential that you choose areas which truly provide value to you. We tend to lack motivation when we try to attain something that deep down doesn’t have the meaning or value it should.
2. Start with small steps
Once you have determined your resolution or goal, AND you feel committed and excited about it, the next step is to create a plan with small, actionable steps.
Starting with a SMART goal can definitely help you focus your resolution. Rather than setting a New Year’s resolution to get healthier by losing weight, think about it in specifics. Will losing 20 pounds make you more healthy? Will eating better foods? Eating out less? Exercising more? Make a list of the things you can control and track, in order to measure your progress. Maybe try setting a goal for exercising a certain number of times per week or cooking at home on set nights. Don’t bite off more than you can chew, so to speak. The plan is up to you, just make sure that in addition to being specific and measurable, it is truly attainable, it is relevant to you, and that it is time based.
3. Promise to commit
With small tasks planned out, the next step in achieving a resolution or goal is to truly commit. A promise to commit requires establishing a “winning” mindset. Stay focused on what is motivating you to win. Every little step puts you closer to your goal. It’s also important to understand that the journey may include a few road bumps along the way. That’s ok and very normal! Let those bumps make you stronger! Acknowledge, learn, forgive and move forward!
As you progress with your plan, tracking your progress (no matter how small) can help you reaffirm that promise you made to yourself. Whatever makes it easiest for you to stay committed is worth trying.
Visuals are helpful in keeping people committed. Envisioning life once you have achieved the goal is often helpful in making people commit – maybe use a vision board.
Try using your planner or a calendar to track your activities. Add a sticker in your planner every time you meditate before bed, buy a water bottle designed to track your daily consumption or log your workouts to see how many miles you’ve walked since the year started. The options are endless!
4. Hold yourself accountable
A personal commitment is a key step in creating a successful New Year’s resolution, but external accountability and sharing your goal with someone are also clutch in cementing success.
Having a partner or someone who is supporting you on your journey is helpful. Keep them in the loop and allow them to share in your progress
Try journaling, phone apps, add calendar reminders to help keep you accountable, too.
Since we’re all still staying socially distanced, sharing on social media is also a great way to stay accountable. You might even find others who are pursuing a similar goal who will motivate you.
5. Celebrate your wins
No matter how small your “win,” giving yourself a pat on the back can help reinforce your commitment to your New Year resolution.
Think about how you can reward yourself for milestones achieved. Maybe it’s buying yourself something you’ve wanted or allowing yourself a cheat day.
Experiences (like sleeping in an extra hour or watching a favorite movie) are also good rewards that don’t impact your budget.
It’s so important to allow ourselves to be proud and feel accomplished with each small step we take towards our resolution or goal. Life can be overwhelming, so whenever we can incorporate small changes that still make a big impact, it is a win!