At the end of each year, many of us create a list of resolutions, or we take time to visualize how we’d like the next year to be.
Many resolutions end up being forgotten after a few months. Or, we spend valuable energy feeling guilty about breaking them.
Why does this happen for so many of us? Well, it’s usually because the resolutions are too rigid.
So, how can you set more fluid, achievable goals?
AND how can you keep yourself on track so you can make them happen?
With SMART goals!
How to Set SMART, Achievable Goals
It can be difficult to identify specific goals that you’d like to work towards in the new year.
But, by dedicating some time to think about your future self and where you’d like to be, you’ll give yourself some clarity, and put those intentions out into the world.
Once you’ve pictured your future state (how you look, feel, where you are, what you’re doing and who you’re with), write this down.
Keep this in a spot that you’ll see everyday and whenever you see it, try to focus on how you felt when you pictured your future.
Now that you have a goal in mind, work backwards. Write out each step you’ll need to take to reach that goal. Assign dates to each step and what you’ll do to celebrate when you accomplish each step.
SMART Goals
Pick SMART goals that get you excited! By having clear goals about where you want to be in your life, you’ll know how to concentrate your efforts to get the best results.
S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Attainable
R – Relevant
T – Time Bound
Progress is Better Than Perfection
Striving for perfection is exhausting! Chances are that if you’re an entrepreneur, you’re already your toughest critic.
If you can work on reconditioning yourself to appreciate progress over perfection, you will notice how far you’ve come and will enjoy the journey more!
Celebrate the Small Wins
When you’re so focused on the finish line, or the end result, it can easy to lose sight of why you set the goal in the first place.
If you’re having a tough day and feel like you’re not on track, pick 1 good thing that happened that day and write it down.
You can choose at any point to start having a better day, it’s all about your mindset!
Don’t Be Afraid to Tweak & Update Your Goals
Life is funny about not going according to plan. If for whatever reason your goals begin to change, or you’ve changed, that’s okay!
Consider scheduling a monthly of quarterly review to help keep yourself on track, and if needed, tweak or create new goals for yourself.
