How To Keep Your New Year's Goals

Photo: CreateHER Stock

Happy New Year! It’s that time of year again. It happens every January. The time for making plans and setting goals. As we flip our calendars from one year to the next, we often inhale a healthy dose of hope and optimism. If you’re like me, by the time March rolls around, I have “edited” my list to remove a goal or two. With 2021 already off to an interesting start, I decided to be proactive and seek suggestions on how to keep goals. Here are some ideas that may prevent the motivation from fading.

 1.       Establish Your “Why”

Take time to think about why you’ve set a particular goal, and really drill down for the answer. For example, if your goal is to “get into shape” think about why you want to be “in shape,” and what that means to you. Is it a short-term goal because your cousin’s wedding is back on and you have to fit into your bridesmaid dress? Or are you looking to make a lifestyle change so that you have more energy, or improve your overall health? Regardless of the reason, determine your “why” and keep that in the forefront of your mind. Use the big picture or end result, as motivation.

 2.       Track Your Progress

Find a way to measure how much progress you’re making toward your goals. Make a list of daily, weekly, or monthly activities that will help you reach your target. As you accomplish each task, cross it off the list. If you prefer graphics, make a pie-chart or table that will allow you to visually see your progress.  If rewards are more your speed, set incentives that you can only have once you finish a set number of tasks.

 3.       Find an Accountability Partner

This may be the hardest part. After all, if we fall short, we don’t one anyone else reminding us of our failure. However, having someone that you trust to hold you accountable, can be really helpful. It’s easier to have an accountability partner or group when everyone is working toward their own goal(s). Your accountability partner should feel more like a teammate and not another critic. Honestly, who doesn’t need another cheerleader?

 4.       Be Flexible

Finally, give yourself some grace, and be flexible. When we set goals, it’s because there is something we want to change or improve. No one is perfect, and chances are your new habit or routine will take time to get used to. In some situations, you may decide meeting your goal is no longer in your best interest or would be better suited for another time of year. Make an honest effort to reach your goals, but allow room for change.

 Now that you have a few more thoughts on how to keep striving for your goals, get to it! Reaching goals is even more exciting than setting them. Take time to celebrate your wins along the way.