“You can’t turn back the clock.
But you can wind it up again.” ~Bonnie Prudden
Reflecting on Past Mistakes
Each year around this time, I’m asked to share my advice on goal-setting. It has become something of a tradition that can serve as a good reminder for us all.
But, before I get to my goal-setting tips, I would like to acknowledge Bonnie Prudden’s sentiment in the quote above. Bonnie’s words are short and sweet, yet profound.
During this time of reflection and, for some, resolution setting, it can be challenging not to get stuck in the mistakes and losses of the past. However, each day can be a new beginning to pursue our goals, do things differently, and dream a new dream.
Mistakes are only failures if we don’t learn from them. So, instead of ruminating on the past, acknowledge any missteps; set new, improved goals; consider what motivates you; and forgive yourself and others. Find your enthusiasm again, wind yourself up, and greet 2025 with a heart full of gratitude and peace!
Tradition
Back to tradition (i.e., goal-setting tips)! –
Whether you would like to Conquer Emotional Eating & Make Fitness A LifestyleTM, overcome self-defeating habits, improve your self-esteem, change careers, enhance your relationships, or something else, the formula is the same! The important thing is to take some time for reflection and goal-setting. You will, likely, have just as many demands on your time in 2025 as you had in 2024. So, without a plan, resolutions will be nothing more than fantasies that chip away at your self-esteem when not achieved.
Modifying Thoughts & Behavior
Keep in mind that gradual progress toward your well-constructed goals will pay off in spades. We must do more than practice wishful thinking in order to make lasting behavioral changes. We must modify the ways we think and behave. Small changes allow us to start with tasks that are easily achievable and integrated into our existing routines. By continuing to build upon small changes, we can make great strides toward achieving our major goals!
New Year’s Goal-Setting Tips
To that end, below are some tips to achieve new year’s progress.
- Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals: Make sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. Get very clear on the details of your goal and set a target date.
- Change your mindset: Resist the urge to expect perfection. Congratulate yourself for small wins along the way to your overriding goal.
- Create structure and systems: Consider how, when, and why to move toward your goals. Set up a process to record your progress. What gets recorded gets repeated!
- Think small: Break major goals down into smaller, more manageable steps. Make small changes daily. Shifting habits gradually results in big changes over time.
- Consider your choices: Train yourself to consider the consequences of the choices you make each day. By examining the consequences before you make decisions, you will learn to make better choices.
- Pair new habits with existing ones: Adding a new habit to something you already do serves as a reminder to perform the new act and feels less overwhelming.
- Envision how you will feel when you reach your goals: This will serve as motivation when you encounter challenges and setbacks. Plus, your subconscious mind will look for ways to move you toward your desired outcome.
- Ongoing review: Continually evaluate each goal. Is it still worthy of your effort? Why would you like to achieve it? What is and isn’t working? Can anything be tweaked?
- Work with a Coach: A coach will provide feedback, support, and accountability. She can point out blind spots you wouldn’t recognize on your own. Knowing that someone is interested in your progress serves to motivate you more than willpower alone can.
- Practice Self-Acceptance: Learn to appreciate yourself – mistakes and all. Shaming yourself for slip-ups only serves to generate guilt and reduce self-esteem. Appreciate the effort and progress you make.
Creating the Right Formula!
As you can see, reaching your goals takes time and effort. No magic pills here, but I’d be happy to accompany you on your journey to reach personal excellence. Coaching provides the guidance, support, and accountability necessary to stay focused and achieve your goals as quickly as possible. Schedule a Strategy Session here.
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