In our last blog we talked about setting our year up right and we talked a little about setting goals. This month’s blog will go a little deeper on setting goals.
It's easy to make a list of resolutions that sound good at the time, but how many of us really stick to them? With all the distractions in our lives and all the activities that keep us busy, it’s no wonder so many people often give up on their goals altogether. You’re not alone. Most people don’t reach their goals, but with some smart strategies, you can turn that around.
By definition, a goal is a desired outcome that you want to achieve, so in other words, your purpose. When you set a goal for yourself, it will give you something to work towards. When it comes to health, we all have different goals. Some people want to gain weight, others lose weight and some just want to be happier.
These are the 5 steps you need to take to set up your goals for success.
1. Decide what it is you really want.
2. Figure out your reason for wanting to achieve your goal.
3. Write it out as a smarter goal.
4. Take steps towards achieving it every day.
5. Celebrate the milestones along the way and when you reach it.
Deciding what it is you really want
Make sure that your goal is for you and not what someone else wants for you. We often set goals and then don’t achieve them because our heart is just not in them. You cannot succeed if you are living your life for someone else, it has to be just for you.
Why do you want to achieve your goal
Just liking deciding what you really want you need to know why you want to achieve this goal. Is it because you are tired of being unhealthy or is it because someone else thinks that you are unhealthy and may have mentioned it. The reason you want to achieve this goal needs to come from within and needs to be something that you know will make your life better.
Write it out as a smarter goal
If you have a goal but you never write it down then there is a good change that you will never achieve it. Write it out, look at it often, read it regular as this will keep you focussed and on track. You also want it to be a smarter goal.
Specific Goal needs to be detailed.
Measurable How do you know when you get there.
Achievable You need to realistic if you can make it happen.
Relevant Make sure it is something you want to achieve
Time focused Needs to have a date you will achieve it by, otherwise you’ll keep putting it off.
Evaluate Check in along the way to see how you are progressing.
Reassess Is it still achievable in the timeframe you have set, if not you will need to adjust.
If your goal is big then it is important to set interim goals along the way. Find someone you can share your goals with so they can provide support and encouragement along the way.
Take steps towards it every day
Now that you have set your goal you want to make sure you take steps every day towards achieving it. If you goal is to get healthier then you want to make sure that you are taking steps with exercise and your diet every day. The steps can be a simple as choosing healthier options when you go out for dinner, drink more water or increase your step count. By adding daily tasks into your day to work towards your goal you are guaranteed to make your goal by the desired date.
Celebrate
All too often we forget to celebrate the things that we achieve. Change can be tough, it can sometimes feel like you are running around in circles and not getting anywhere and that is the reason why when you hit a milestone or achieve a goal you should be celebrating. When you write down you goal maybe also add in how you are going to celebrate it
If you need help creating and sticking to your goals then I’m always here to help, just reach out.