5 Tips for successful Goal Setting

And just like that, another year is in the books! Whether you brought the New Year in out and about, or by eating grapes under the table, it’s time to open a new chapter for new goal setting.

Hello Loves! Can you believe it’s been another year? I read somewhere that as you get older, each year seems to cut itself in half. You get a year older, start new careers, take on big challenges and then boom you’re 80. So much can happen in such a short time and it’s up to you to stay focused to build the life you see yourself living with proper goal setting.

If there is anything I’ve learned about goal setting in the past is that you DO NOT have to wait for a new year to begin. Sure it might seem like the right time to start but imagine deciding to wait another 365 days to get out of that stagnant job or situationship (o_O). So whether you’re setting goals for the new year, new month, or even new day, here are 3 keys that will be vital in your success.

Over the years I’ve read a lot of books, listened to podcasts, talked with mentors about the keys to successful goal setting, and along the way, a few things really “clicked” for me.

BE REALISTIC

Some can, but many cannot go from 0 to 100 with the flip of a switch. I am one of those people. In the past, I’ve over-committed myself on my goals and at some point just knew I wouldn’t be able to reach them. So now, when I’m goal setting, I think of super small changes to make a new consistent reality. The key word here is consistent.

There’s nothing worse than setting a goal, hitting it, and then backsliding to where you used to be, specifically around things like weight loss or starting a side hustle. When I had some weight loss on the list one year, I knew working out every single day was not feasible. Between work, home responsibilities, and blog writing, I felt that a minimum of 3 days was doable and if I made it there 4 or 5, that’s even better!

When I think of goal setting, ideally, I’m looking to create long term habits that will be a consistent staple in my life moving forward. It’s all about making small changes that pile up over time to give you consistent results. Which leads me to point number 2.

OVERESTIMATE THE SMALL

As someone who is chronically online, I probably read a few too many comments. One that I see often on a favorite financial page is “Ugh I can’t afford to save $500 a month! I don’t have that kind of money lying around.” And my first thought is, “So you’re not going to save at all?”

How silly would it be to forego a goal just because you couldn’t abide by it 100%. Every little bit counts. Sure $500 might be too much for you personally, but what about $200 a month, or $100 a week? That’s still more than you had to begin with so I would count that as a win. Let’s not be so quick to throw goal setting away all together if we don’t see ourselves meeting the full criteria. Besides, whose criteria even is that?

One of my favorite books, Atomic Habits, talks about this in depth, (high recommend!). It’s the idea that small changes have the potential to make huge impacts down the line. When I was working toward my reading goal, I wanted to read more but wasn’t really sure where to find the time. So instead of aiming for a full hour, I went for 2, 30-minute blocks during the day. Whether that was when I was having my morning tea, during my commute, which was about 30 minutes each way, or right before bed, those little moments can really add up and I found myself surpassing the goal I had intended!

PUSH PAST SET BACKS

You only fail if you give up completely, so don’t. These big massive goals can be so overwhelming sometimes and sometimes you feel like throwing it all away if you hit a road bump. Often, we hold ourselves to such high standards that it’s easy to get discouraged if we miss a day or two, or even 3! A mini goal I set for myself is if I miss a day, I always make the next day. Life happens so give yourself a little wiggle room and be sure to bounce back quickly.

For longer term goals, like a promotion, it can be so disheartening after you’ve worked so hard and spent so much time making your case. Then time comes and…you don’t get it. Devastated right? When things like that happen, first, remember there can always be other things at play. For you personally though, take the time to reflect on the experience and understand where you might want to make adjustments or changes in your approach. It could also help to get a second/outside opinion for some additional perspective. Don’t be afraid to open up for some feedback and act on it.

Goal setting and achieving is bound to come with ups and downs so take them in stride, learn from them, and get back to it.

THINK LESS, NOT NONE

It takes a very strong person to go cold turkey and if you can do it GREAT. If not, or you find yourself dreading your new habit, this tip is for you.

Just like it’s hard to go from 0 to 100, it’s also challenging to go from 100 to 0. Fully cutting something out immediately can be a drastic lifestyle change and you might find yourself craving that thing even more. Next thing you know, you’ve went over board and over indulged. Whether that’s those little sweets you love (I too am guilty!) or swiped the card a little too quickly (also guilty), it can help to consider less of something versus none of something.

For me, when I was working on eating healthier a lot of the teachings suggesting cutting sugar, carbs, and alcohol. I know that wasn’t something I could stick with in the long term so it made more sense to me to have less of those things, but not cut it out completely. So sure, Sunday – Friday, I kept with the routine, but on Saturday, I got to have those little things I loved like a glass of wine or these little chocolate ice cream bars I like. All in moderation. Which leads me to my last and final tip, TREAT YO’SELF *Donna and Tom, Parks and Rec voice*

REWARD YOURSELF

Who doesn’t love a little treat yourself moment? When I was a child, my parent’s had this chore/activity board. It had things like do your homework, read for 10 minutes, practice math sheets, help a parent out, small, age appropriate things for children. When I completed those things, I got a gold star. You couldn’t tell me anything when I got a gold star okay?!

I’m a rewards oriented individual. I like praise and I like treats so naturally as an adult, I find a way to praise and/or treat myself. One goal I have this year is to reduce fast fashion consumption and as a semi-influencer this is extremely challenging. But because this is something that I really value, I want to try my best to reach it and that includes rewarding myself when I do. This could be saving up for a more special piece that I’ve had my eye on. Whatever works for you, be sure to reward your self somehow because frankly, you deserve it!

What’s on your goal list this year? Maybe it’s something you’ve been putting off your something you just can’t get right? Share below!