Our Top Tips to Goal Setting

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain

 

The start of a new year is always a bright moment. Every January 1st, we get that  feeling of being guaranteed a new beginning. We tend to find it frustrating in the early stages of bringing in change and gradually revert to old, unhealthy behaviors. Rather than making unrealistic new year’s resolutions, establishing measurable goals is more likely to result in real wins and sticking to new habits.

So what is the best way to set goals for our new year’s resolutions? Here are our top tips to get you started on the right foot!

SET SMART GOALS

Instead of setting big and bold goals that you have no clue on how to achieve, focus on shaping your resolutions as attainable steps that can be achieved with a clear action plan. Keep in mind that your goals must be: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.

Make your goals specific so you can really  focus your efforts on accomplishing  them. Establish measurable goals so you can monitor your progress and stay on track.Your goals must also be as realistic as possible. Your goals should still benefit  you in the long run. Ensure that your goals are encouraging and inspiring, rather than doing the opposite. Finally, setting a timeframe for your action plan and a deadline for when you want to achieve your goals will not only hone your focus but also give you something to look forward to in the coming weeks.

AVOID COMPARING YOURSELF      

Comparison will be a cause of frustration and discouragement. We’ll start to feel sorry for ourselves. You'll exhaust your energy by dwelling on other people's accomplishments rather than on how to achieve your own. Stay on your track, do your task, track your progress, and do your finest effort to achieve your goals.

And as a final reminder, enjoy the process as much as the achievement. Just do what brings you joy. Achievements come with time. Before you know it, the seeds you’ve sown over the weeks will start bearing fruit, but only if you stick to it and see it through. Trust the process.