How you start your year can determine how you finish the year. Laying the right foundation for the year will bring the right result.
At the beginning of the year, I did a survey and asked a few people, which they would prefer “new year resolutions or goals?” 100% of the people surveyed chose goals. I am not really surprised. After a few days, many people lose the drive to continue new year resolutions. Studies have shown that the first few days of the year, gyms are always busy due to a lot of people signing up at the beginning of the year and for the first few days, the gym is packed with people. By the second week, people have lost the drive to get “the summer body”
.
To finish the year strong this year, set yourself realistic SMART goals. According to the dictionary, “a goal is the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result”. Goals are part of every aspect of life and provide a sense of direction, motivation, a clear focus, and clarify importance. By setting goals, you are providing yourself with a target to aim for.
The goals you have set yourself this year, re-evaluate them. Are they realistic? Are they SMART?
S- Is your goal Specific? (Well defined, clear, and unambiguous)
M- Is your goal Measurable? (With specific criteria that measure your progress toward the accomplishment of the goal)
A- Is your goal Attainable? (Achievable, not impossible to achieve)
R- Is your goal Realistic? (Within reach, realistic, and relevant to your life purpose)
T – Have you set a time to achieve your goal? (With a clearly defined timeline, including a starting date and a target date. The purpose is to create urgency).
A lot of time, I have heard people say that if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything. In some cases, this is true. In other cases, I have come to realise that our personal limitations might make a goal unrealistic. So, you should consider whether the goals you’ve set are reasonable for you.
I just want to encourage you to be strong and courageous as you set your goals for the year. Ask for help when needed. Don’t depend totally on your own ability and strength. As they say, no man is an island.
Also, remember to enjoy the process.
by Deborah
@behealthywithdebs
