crush goals! 5 easy steps to goal setting

They say a new year, a new you? We all find ourselves driven to bring in the new year with the best intentions for ourselves. A New Year’s resolution is a time to set goals for the entire year, right?

Sadly, most of us fall short of those good intentions because the goals we set do not have proper parameters. Parameters you say? Yes, how does one reach a goal without recognizing what steps it takes to reach said goal?

Reflection, reflection, reflection. Reflection on the self is one part of the goal-setting ecosystem. For the dieter, it’s not restrictive eating that you should focus on. What is key is identifying why you need to make this change and what leads up to this decision. This isn’t a time to finger-point, it’s called SELF-reflection for a reason. We need to have honest and raw conversations with ourselves to target what needs to change for us to live the path we know is best.

Do not set the goal across the entire year. When you grocery shop, you detail your list by what you need for the week, not the year. Thinking in small increments of time not only works but lessens the stress and anxiety that come with acting on the goal.

You can set yourself to execute a small goal quarterly, monthly, or biweekly. Whatever way that reduces stress because your attention will focus on the little picture which will be kinder to you.

Once you acknowledge how the timeline is broken up, map out the details you can handle right now. Don’t try to focus on where you want to be because you aren’t there yet. Staying in the present moment will help curb any pitfalls because you’re not seeing instant results. How many times have you stopped doing something because you weren’t seeing any progress? Progress — the onward movement towards a destination — has to play out to reach any goal. Focusing on the big picture can hinder progress.

The biggest challenge to goal setting is our inability to surrender to the goal. What could this possibly mean? Let me explain. Stunting our goal-crushing is our subconscious refusal to surrender to the goal. No, the journey will not always come easily. If it were, we wouldn’t set out to do this each year and it would be a one-and-done goal. The #1 goal people set at the new year after binging the last 3 months on a holiday roller coaster ( Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas) is dieting. We don’t like the word diet because its history sends us a shock of displeasure. The first thought of “Cheese, but I love cheese” or “But I can’t get rid of bread, I love bread”. We prevent ourselves from releasing that which is not good for us as we’ve abused this love in the past. It is difficult for some to grapple with letting go of the bad carbs, the sugar, and the bad fats. Not surrendering because you’re still in mourning from your food separation will create anxiety. Yep, separation anxiety with food is a real thing. Focusing on that will result in a goal-setting defeat.

Excuses, excuses! Many of us spiral into the “I can’t” or “I could never” mindset which we humans fall into. Although you may not be able to stop yourself from thinking of an excuse, what you can do is catch yourself making the excuse. Like a sneaky weasel, you can identify when you’re making an excuse for yourself and by doing so, allow your mind to correct itself. “Yes, I can do this” is motivating enough if you believe the words you say. And if you don’t believe them, then go back to self-reflecting and target why you feel this way about yourself. To rise above limitations, this needs to be implemented in your mindset.

So you’ve laid out what to focus on first. To achieve your goal. So, how do we stay on track? Let’s look at different tools. Planning is always useful. And if you’re not a planner, do read my last post on the usefulness of a planner. Writing out and note-taking can be useful.

If you’re the type who doesn’t write things down, I can guarantee you have a cell phone in your hand. It has this unique ability to present an app you can download to help you take notes. Wow! Yes, some sarcasm there, but I'm being kind. Remember, there are no excuses! Apple Notes or Reminders is a good, quick, and easy way to jot things down. And it is free! I for one have over 2,000 organized Reminders listed and 85 organized Notes on my iPhone. They cover not just my goals but how I can be reminded and stay organized for everything in my life. But no pressure! This is what works best for me. The important thing is to seek out what works for you and there are many apps out there to help. No computer required.

Setting out to change the way you are comfortable doing things can have its challenges. But, completing any goal, no matter how it's deemed big or small, you will be happier and more enlightened about what it is and what you can achieve. And that’s something to give yourself the credit you deserve. Following these easy steps will help you get through. And maybe you’ll have some A-ha moments along the way.