When the end of the year rolls around, we all tend to shift focus on goals for the new year. Did you know that only 9% of people successfully stick to their New Year’s resolutions? 43% of people are expected to fail by February.
So, do you think you’re tenacious?
Even if you are, navigating your goals and sticking to them can seem like going through a maze – you are clear about the destination, but the path is not always straightforward. Some hacks can serve as a compass to stay the course. So you can set your goals and see them through!
Understand your goals
To achieve your goals, you need to know that you are crafting them right! You need to define them clearly and, of course, make sure that they are actually achievable. No generic or lofty statements as goals please. Make your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound)! This turns vague aspirations into concrete targets. Instead of saying “I will get fit in 2024,” you need to say, “I want to run 3 miles in 45 minutes by the end of June.” This gives you definite direction and a focus point.
Next, put a pen to paper and intentionally write down the goals. Hang them up where you see them every day. This helps to make the commitment tangible and reinforces the idea that you should be doing something to achieve what you set out for yourself.
Plan and organize
Break it down into tasks and rituals. Why? It's because a large goal can be daunting, but when you break it down into smaller tasks and rituals, it becomes manageable. The goal of completing a book by the end of 2024, can be restructured as a "Task" of writing two or three pages a day and a "Ritual" can be a 30-minute meditation or review to create mental space to complete the writing task.
There is always the need to stay abreast of your projects and tasks, and you can easily do this by leveraging technology. Productivity apps like ASANA, Trello, or your Google calendar can help you organize tasks and work effectively towards deadlines.
Stay motivated
Positive reinforcement is a way to create a self-reward system for achieving mini-tasks. It does not need to be a grand gesture; a coffee treat or an episode of your favorite show can keep your journey enjoyable and motivating.
Remember that consistency is key, so keep the momentum going. Self-reminders – thinking about the why or having an accountability partner are all fantastic ways to ensure that you keep yourself on track.
Dealing with the ugly
No journey is all butterflies and rainbows; there are the occasional puddles and bumps in the form of procrastination, but remember your tasks and rituals – tackle the small parts first the rest will fall in place.
Be kind to yourself and remember that you can be flexible when you face unexpected hurdles (health complications, etc.). Remember that you can reevaluate and adjust – being agile and adaptable is a strength!
Track and reflect
Have regular check-ins with yourself or your accountability partner to assess your progress and how far you have come and if there are things you are constantly fumbling with that needs your attention.
Every step you take–even if it is successful or not–is an opportunity to learn. Reflect on what works for you and what does not. This too is vital to your growth.
End the end…
The “hacks” we spoke about are nothing special, and, in fact, you already know many of them. You now need to apply these tools, which will help you on your journey.
What goals are you working on in 2024?
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Written by Tatum De Souza
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