4 Simple Ways to Make Goals and Keep Them

*This article was updated on November 28, 2019.

It can be kind of fun coming up with short term or long term goals, but truthfully, they’re not as intriguing when you don’t follow them through or accomplish them.

Oftentimes, we start the year with great intentions, fired up with motivation and a hot and spicy “gonna nail these goals, once and for all”  attitude.  In January, our fuel is full and our passion is accelerated, but somehow, that passion starts to dwindle, right around March or for many,  as early as February (if they make it that far). So the real question is, “How can you make resolutions and actually KEEP them?”

Guess what? We have the answer to this long-standing question. We’ve found the secret formula to accomplishing New Year’s resolution success and we’re sharing with you. Take a look at these four simple ways you can make goals and keep them:

1. Sit down and take a look at last year’s resolutions. Take inventory of what you did accomplish and what you didn’t. Instead of focusing on the ones you didn’t meet, hone in on the ones you did. Identify what helped you to attain those goals or almost complete them. Once you figure out what you did and how you did it, use those same concepts to create new goals and utilize those same ingredients to devise a plan for this year’s goals.
2. Create a plan. It doesn’t have to be anything too elaborate, but it definitely should be smart (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and trackable) Your plan should include: clear steps on how you’re going to go forward in obtaining your goals, including specific dates on when you plan to accomplish your goals, a sequence of concise steps, and a clear visual copy of your resolutions. It’s important to set goals that are attainable, raising the bar to high will only invite failure. It might be helpful to print out a copy or two and leave them in random places so you can refer to them or  strategically place them where you can see them on a regular basis. You may even opt to email them to yourself, store them in a handy place on your computer and put schedule timelines on your google calendar with reminders and alerts of your pre-designated dates/deadlines.
3.  Focus on the experience rather than the resolution. We often get inundated or preoccupied thinking about the goal and concentrating less on the the process. Each step towards achieving your goals, is equally as important as accomplishing them. Try rewarding yourself with something small as you complete each step. This will serve as a vital reminder that you’re one step closer to nailing your resolutions for good!
4. Surround yourself with positive people and engulf yourself in environments that breed success and nourish progress. It’s easy to forget the crucial role positive energy plays in accomplishing your goals. Negative words, energy and attitudes can contribute to a self-defeating frame of mind and cause you to potentially sabotage your own valiant efforts. Connecting with other like-minded individuals or establishing accountability in a support group, with a friend or life coach, can make the difference between accomplishing your goals or abandoning them. Interacting with people who support you or have similar goals and interests is one of the simplest ways to stay focused and feel successful.

Make sure to check out Samantha Chris’  powerful TED Talk about making goals that matter.

*Bonus- Printable Worksheets

Printable version: newyearletterpdf

Do you have new goals or objectives you plan to work on? Could you use some help or support creating a plan to accomplish your goals? Let’s get started!  Click here to schedule a free 30-minute coaching consultation today!