As the year winds down, many people are already thinking of the goals they plan to accomplish in the next year. Goals, when used in a healthy way, are a wonderful way to stay focused and motivated. However, what seems to get the best of most of us is that we tend to focus heavily on the 'solution', or the final product of what we are hoping to accomplish. Our end goal may be something that will help us with stressors, frustrations, or feelings we have been dealing with, and it makes sense that we would like to be at the finish line. However, many things take time, and with a focus solely on the finished product, the steps it takes to get there may seem just as stressful and frustrating. It may even have you feeling down about yourself, which ultimately leads to a less-than-ideal start to your year and goals, and may even hold back your progress.
Instead, this year we are going to focus on the 'resolute' side of our goals. This is the way we will continue to push ourselves and stay purposeful between the start and finish.
Ask yourself "to reach my goal, what steps would I need to take?" Much like following a map to a new location, there will be turns you need to take and roads you need to cross. These are your smaller, more attainable goals and keep you on the right path.
So how do you plan out your map?
List out 2-4 factors for you goal.
Think of the things that must happen for the desired outcome to exist. For example, if you have a health-related goal, that might mean that exercise and eating healthy ate two main factors you know can result in the desired outcome. Or, let's say you are hoping to achieve better grades in school. This might rely on your ability understand the material and turn in your homework on time.
Break down meatier factors/subgoals.
It will likely to break down your goals one step further. You want to make sure that if someone was giving you directions on how to do something completely new, you would know exactly how to do it. You also want to give yourself the most realistic and attainable subgoals that you can, so that you can avoid possible burnout or a decrease in your confidence and motivation. In our health example, we could break our exercise subgoal into smaller parts. Knowing what works best for me, I may want to exercise at home for thirty minutes after my work shift at least three days a week. Maybe I will head straight to the gym on my way home from work, which could mean I would need to have a gym bag packed ahead of time.
For better grades, I may need to attend a study group once a week to make sure I understand the new lessons, or schedule two hours each day to complete my assignments. However, if I realistically cannot regularly make it to a study group, I may want to alter this step. Instead, I might attend virtually, or check in with the teacher after class with any lingering questions.
Hold yourself accountable, or ask for help.
This is the true kicker. We may be able to make the best roadmap in the world, and by the time we think we should have been at our destination, we realize time has gotten away from up and we've either not set out, or have been stuck at a pitstop for days! Don't panic, we can always get back on track, and this time with a plan.
One way to hold yourself accountable is to set timeframes that are realistic for your subgoals. This can be done in the form of a check in. For example, if I'm to lose weight, I may weigh myself every two weeks to see my progress. On an even smaller scale, I may set a reminder on my phone at the end of each day to make sure I accomplished the amount of steps I deem necessary in a day to reach my larger goal. Maybe I will check in on my weekly schedule each Friday to make sure all of my assignments have been checked off as 'turned in'. If you are a busy person and find this hard to keep up with, you can try reaching out to a trusted friend or family member to help send you reminders or check-ins in an uplifting and positive way. Remember, we want to feel empowered by ourselves by focusing on what we can now that may get us to our goals later.
Another important thing to keep in mind is... things happen!
Whether it's the holidays, a graduation, busy work week, or you've just had a tough few days... life is not perfect and sometimes we run into hiccups and road bumps. We are people, and that's okay. If you've been driving to a cool spot and run into a little traffic, does that mean you will turn around and go home? It is okay to take a break for yourself and pick up where you left off. This does not mean you're giving up, and in fact should feel even more purposeful in that you know how to listen to your body to know when a break is needed so that you don't burn out before reaching your goal. You've already taken steps forward, and can hold pride in that.
But, if you find that you are having a hard time staying motivated or concentrated, don't be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or a professional for help. They may be able to help you see the bigger picture, or recognize any obstacles that they can help you through.
Have a wonderful start to your new year!
Brianna Dennis-McCrory
Comments