With the year winding down, and a new one upon us, this time of year is often one of reflection. When looking back at the year, you may find that you didn’t accomplish as much as you wanted or developed a few bad habits. This is the perfect time to plan for the new year and set some personal or professional goals!
You may be hesitant to set New Year’s resolutions, as work, family, stress, or other factors can often throw our goals off track. However, with a few helpful tips, you can plan all your goals in a manner that is manageable and easy to accomplish!
Set SMART Goals
No matter what your vision of the future entails, it’s always important to have an action plan. This is where SMART goals come in. SMART is a project management acronym that’s designed to help you set and complete detailed objectives, both professional and personal.
SMART goals are meant to improve your chances of success, and can be broken down into the following:
- Specific – Your resolution should be clear and specific so you can feel motivated to achieve it. What do you want to accomplish?
- Measurable – Convert your resolution into a measurable amount to easily track your progress over time. What can you use to track your progress?
- Attainable – Whether you’re hoping to travel the world, lose weight, or learn a new language, make sure you have the skills and tools needed to achieve your goals. Your goal should be challenging, but possible.
- Relevant – Prioritize your most relevant goals. Does this resolution fit within your broader vision? Can this be traced back to your passion or personal objectives?
- Time-bound – Give yourself a reasonable deadline to work with, as this will help prioritization and motivation. How long should it take for you to accomplish your goal?
By writing down SMART goals, you’re committing to your vision and consciously thinking about what you want to achieve during the new year. As a bonus, if you write out your plan, you can check each milestone off once completed to help visualize your progress!
Turn Big Goals into Little Steps
Once you have your SMART goals in place, start breaking them down into specific actionable steps. If your goal is to lose weight or maintain an active lifestyle, start by making small adjustments to your daily routine. Some of these steps may turn into helpful habits over time, like eating five servings of vegetables a day or going for a walk three times a week. When you break your ambitions down into smaller components, change becomes manageable and long-lasting.
Track Your Progress in a Journal or Planner
When it comes to accomplishing your goals, consistency is key. One simple step you can take to stay consistent is to document your experiences. A journal is a great tool that can help you stay organized and see the progress you’ve made over time. Many journals also contain habit trackers, writing prompts, and tips on how to stay motivated and achieve your goals. As previously mentioned, writing down your progress and visually seeing how your journey is progressing is a great benefit, as it can help you plan more efficiently and be a nice confidence booster!
Focus On the Journey, Not the Finish Line
Even though you still want to keep the finish line in your sights, remember to also acknowledge the milestones you’ve reached and challenges you’ve overcome along the way. Celebrating these little victories can also give your motivation a little boost on days you may otherwise feel like giving up.
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and struggling to stay focused, try sharing your resolution and progress with friends and family. They might even decide to join you on your journey! Not only can others help keep you accountable, but they can also offer helpful advice and celebrate your milestones with you.
Reach Your New Year Resolutions with Airrosti!
Don’t let stiffness or pain keep you from setting and reaching your goals in the new year! At Airrosti, our Providers will pinpoint the cause of your pain and treat it at the source, while sharing exercises and tips that can help with speed recovery at home and prevent future injuries. Call us at (800) 404-6050 or schedule an appointment online today!
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