We are approaching a new year and a new year usually calls for new beginnings.
Many of us make new year resolutions because we feel like we have an opportunity to start fresh.
However, some people don’t achieve their goals because they end up giving up due to unrealistic expectations.
It’s unfortunate because we can accomplish many goals if we just focus on the attainable and pace ourselves.
Here are 5 realistic ways to achieve your new year resolution goals!
1. Know Your Purpose
Setting goals to achieve something without sound reasoning can cause you to fail in carrying out those plans.
If your resolutions are solely based off of the examination of how others are living, you may have a harder time getting excited about those goals.
However, when you take the time to think about how your desired goals can positively impact your life you will have much more drive to achieve them.
For example, if you deal with lethargy, you may want to make it a priority in getting to bed earlier and soaking up more sun.
So, you can write how being lethargic has had a negative effect on your life and what having more energy will do for you.
Once you’ve established a purpose for the goals you set you can refer back to them.
Your purpose will serve as a reminder and motivation to fulfill your new resolutions!
2. Prioritize Your Goals
I believe many of us have periods in our lives where we try to take on multiple things at once.
Sometimes we just have so many goals, ideas, and passions that we want to pursue.
It’s completely fine, and a wonderful thing to have many goals you desire to accomplish.
But we have to be careful not to get overzealous because taking on too much can do more harm than good.
You’ll get overwhelmed by the number of tasks you have to do on a consistent basis which will cause burn-out.
Then, when you get burnt out, you’re more likely to give up on your goals.
Instead of pursuing so many things at once, choose to take one step at a time.
When you work on one goal at a time you can dedicate your attention to that specific thing and have better focus and less burn-out!
So, think about your goals; prioritize the level of urgency or importance each one has and write them out in that order.
Once you successfully complete one goal move on to your next important goal.
3. Make Small Goals Instead of 1 Big Goal
The amount of pressure we put on ourselves to achieve a certain goal is outrageous!
This kind of pressure can also affect our mental health in a negative way.
It’s normal to want to accomplish something within a few weeks but we must be realistic when it comes to natural processes.
It takes time for change to occur, to develop new habits, and gain new skills.
Focus on breaking your overall goal into smaller sections because it will be more attainable and less stressful.
For example, if your goal is to lose 50 pounds, then work on dropping about 5 pounds per month.
Use this method for all of your goals; you will make much progress!
4. Create Action Plans
When setting goals, you don’t want to just list them out and do random activities here and there as an attempt to make-way.
Instead, it would be wise to create an outline of how you’re going to work on achieving those goals.
Write out a detailed plan that includes a schedule, the activities you’ll perform, and any systems that will assist you.
By systems I mean resources such as apps, videos, books, courses, and methodologies.
For instance, if you will be working on healthy eating habits, first, you can set a meal schedule.
(Think number of days you’ll dedicate to clean eating for each week).
Next, you can make a list of healthy foods that you will incorporate into your meals or a specific diet you’ll follow.
Then, you can note a specific app you’ll use for healthy eating tips, challenges, and motivation.
Basically, an action plan provides a guideline, which will help you stay on track and perform tasks with ease!
5. Set Deadlines with a Range
Setting a deadline or completion date can help keep you motivated because you will feel challenged to carry out your goals.
I believe when it comes to pursuing a goal, there should be a deadline with a range.
In other words, set a timeframe. For example, “Complete within 6-8 months” or “Complete by: 07/23-09/23”.
This is a psychological method that creates a sense of discipline while also allowing for wiggle room.
You’ll be motivated to work hard to reach your goals but not feel overwhelmed by seeing one specific date!
Sometimes, having one “cut-off time” can cause panic so this way allows for breathing room, thus, more of a likelihood to succeed!
I hope these tips help you accomplish your goals this new year! Feel free to update me on your progress! Have a happy New Year!
Timeeka Tardy says
Awesome advise. I have to been guilt of setting unrealistic goals. This helps a lot! Thanks Anita.
Anita Finch says
We all have 😩 but now is the time to actually achieve them with realistic practices! So happy this helps! You’re welcome ☺️ Thanks for reading!