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How to set goals (and achieve them too)

You may have even tried to set a new year resolution – but if you’re like 88% of the population, come January, that resolution was a distant memory.

Here are tips to help you set goals and STICK to them!

Get clear

If you have a specific goal, great. But what if you’re stuck in a rut and need some direction?

The easiest way to get around this is to get clear on what you do want, and what you don’t want. Ask yourself important questions about what you want from your life. They can be broad to start off with, such as I want to be happy, I want to be fit, I want to help people. These general statements will help you hone in on what’s important to you.

Step two, is to get a large sheet of A1 paper, and draw a line down the middle. Say if your goal is to be healthy, on one side, write down WHY you want that goal or the positives. I.e. Have more energy, look and feel great, be a good example to my children.

On the other side, write down the negatives that you feel because you DON’T have that goal. I.e. my clothes don’t fit, I feel lethargic and can’t run around with my children.

Do this for each of your ‘big picture goals’ which will then help you break it down into small and more specific (and achievable) goals.

Get SMART

Once you have this list (try to do at least 10 on each side), transform your resolution into an attainable goal by using SMART.

SMART:
Specific
Measurable
Accountable
Realistic
Timeframe

Be specific

Break down you goals into specifics.

You need to get specific so you can work towards your goal. So if your goal is ‘being healthy’, specifically it may be to lose weight. This is too vague. Instead, get clear on why you want to achieve and how. The WHY is very important as this is your leverage! So instead of your goal of ‘get fit’ you could make it, I want to run my first half marathon.

Make it measurable

If you don’t’ know what your target is, you won’t know when you reach it. Refine your goal. Instead of I’m going to exercise more, make it every day I’m going to walk at least 30 minutes.

Break it into smaller goals

Working off the goal of losing weight, break it into achievable victories. For example, make a goal of eating from home instead of buying take out for at least four nights a week, and exercising for two. These successes will build your momentum, and keep you motivated towards your overall goal.

Be accountable

If you are lacking in self-motivation or willpower, then this is where a friend or even a downloadable app can help. When it’s cold, raining or you are just plain tired, it can be hard to remember why we wanted that goal in the first place. This is where accountability can help. It may be getting a business mentor or a personal trainer. It could even be a family member or close friend that will help you keep track of your progress. There are also many great apps available to help you do that. (For example….)

Be realistic

If you make your goal too difficult, you’re going to get discouraged and give up. See yourself reaching your goal – be challenged without being overwhelmed. If you want to drop 10kgs, a crash diet and limiting yourself from everything you love to eat will probably see you giving up in the first week.

However, if you change that into a lifestyle decision through nutritious food and exercising regularly, chances are, not only will you reach your goal, you’ll be able to make it something that becomes a habit for life!

Have a time frame

If your goal doesn’t have a time limit, not only will you have trouble starting it, you’ll have trouble knowing where that end point is. Giving yourself a time frame will help you to achieve a target date. Another way this can work is for a big event. This will give you the leverage you need – i.e, I need to lose 10kgs for Cousin Judy’s wedding in six months time.

Now, it’s time for the most important part of all – AFFIRMATION AND ACTION!!

Now you’ve brainstormed how you’re going to do it, it’s time to get positive and put it into action. For example, if your goal is to open up your own online craft store in six months time, start doing research on other online craft stores and networking – perhaps you even want to get a mentor and start going to craft fairs, or join online groups.

If you want to get fit and healthy, talk to a nutritionist about a healthy eating plan (or even research online – there are so many resources available) or employ a trainer to keep you motivated (this will also double as being accountable!)

Set priorities

If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed with how much you have to do, decide which goals are more important, or time sensitive, and which ones are less crucial. Then, write a list and tick them off as you go.

Reward and reassess

At the end of your time frame, take this opportunity to examine your stumbling blocks. Was the goal reasonable and are there more skills you need to keep moving forward?

And don’t forget to reward! Celebrate when you’ve reached your goals, no matter how small! If you’ve reached your goal weight, celebrate with a new dress or a night out with your friends or partner.


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