New Year Focus #2: Goal Setting Tips for Success

Last week we focused on the topic of stress. Next up is the topic of setting and achieving your goals.  There are several important aspects of our life but sometimes life gets in the way and our vision gets blurred. Setting goals helps paint your vision and give you something to actively work toward.  Goal setting also helps you measure your accomplishments and pride yourself in getting closer to your goals. Goals can be set in many areas of your life, such as: finance, career, education, family and relationships, physical well-being and health, travel and leisure.  Try these helpful tips to create and achieve your dreams:
 
TIPS FOR CREATING YOUR GOALS

• Be realistic. Set your goals in a manner that will allow you to succeed at reaching them.
  
• Write your goals out on paper. Keep this list handy, and include deadlines for yourself.
  
• Next, make a plan. How will you achieve your goals? Create step-by-step guidelines for you to stay on track.
  
• Now, go for it! Stay focused and on track with your deadline. Pride yourself in your accomplishments as you achieve your goals over time.
  

 
STAYING ON TRACK

• Break down each goal into action steps you can take slowly.
  
• Be realistic with your time schedule for your goals. Setting a deadline that may be hard to reach in a small amount of time may cause disappointment.
  
• Learn from your mistakes. Are things not going as planned with your goals? Understand why this is, re-evaluate, and tackle your goal with your new understanding of yourself.
  
  
• Find someone trustworthy and supportive to keep you accountable –a friend, co-worker, coach – and schedule regular check-ins to give progress reports and make adjustments to your plan, if needed.
  

 
REMEMBERING YOUR REASON

• A fantastic way to stay on track is to remember the end result you are working toward.
  
• What will change for you once you reach this goal you have set for yourself?
• Write this down beside each goal to remind you why you’re on this journey, and to feel excited about getting there!
• Consider having a single-minded focus – avoid overwhelm by working on only one goal at a time.
   
  Take action this week by determining your “Why?”. What is your number one reason for working toward this goal? Make a plan and take your first step. Next week’s topic will cover healthy tips as we continue our focus on making the best of this new year. 
  
  

Want to read more? Follow these links for other posts in this New Year series:
New Year Focus #1: Stress Management, Naturally
New Year Focus #3: Three Wise Habits For Best Health 

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Sara Wolfsen is a Certified Health & Lifestyle Coach who specializes in helping people make their own healthy changes by providing private health coaching, nutrition education and wellness classes, and gentle weight-loss guidance and support.  Schedule your complimentary coaching session and learn more online at www.sarawolfsen.com.