Goal Setting In The New Year
With a new year comes a time of reflection and a time for goal setting for many. When you think about the start of a new year, what comes to mind? Is it improving your physical wellness, saving money for the future, or reflecting on your accomplishments over the last year? It’s a natural time to think about changes that you’d like to make, or to think about the goals from last year. When it comes to setting new goals, you might want to consider the following:
1. Reflect on the progress
Rather than focusing on where you are now, and how far that is from where you would like to be, take a moment to think about the progress you have made in the last year. How different did your life look this time last year? Have you made any changes for yourself or your family? How have these changes impacted your life? Just because you are not already at the finish line does not negate the strides you have achieved!
2. Stop comparing
The moment that we compare our progress to those around us is the moment we lose confidence in our achievements. Where you once felt satisfied, you might now be feeling empty. We each live our own unique lives, with unique circumstances. Seeing someone else’s accomplishments does not have to take away from your own success! Remind yourself that you are on your own path, and that you will achieve your goals at your own pace, and that is okay.
3. Manage expectations
When it comes to setting goals for the future, it is important to consider the limitations. Consider making your goals SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-limited. If you say, for example, that you want to improve your physical fitness, you should think about the different aspects of physical fitness and what that means to you. Setting a goal to start running 5k and 10k races next month might not be realistic or achievable. Another way to restate this goal is to improve your mile pace to a 8-minute mile by running at least 3-4 times per week for 4-6 months. This goal, by adding a few more details, allows you to measure your progress and set yourself up for success.
4. Practice self-compassion
One of the simplest and most profound things you can do in life is change the way that you speak to and about yourself. Have you ever noticed yourself making harsh internal critiques like, “I am not good enough,” or “I’ll never get that right,”? Take a moment to reframe that hurt and disappointment you feel. Try a small change like “I have not gotten that right yet,” or “I can try that again,” or “It’s okay to make mistakes.” Giving yourself grace is not going to wreck your motivation or encourage you to stop trying in the future. It’s more likely to encourage you to try again!
