It seems like just yesterday we were planning our 2016 New Year’s parties and making resolutions.
For most of us, this year flew by in the blink of an eye. If you’re wondering where the time went, and you missed some of the goals you set this year, you aren’t alone. In fact, research by the University of Scranton has found that only 8% of people actually reach their resolutions.
Well, now is the time to set new goals for yourself and actually reach them instead of wishing. Here are 5 ways to crush your goals this year:
Get specific about your intentions
When life gets in the way, new goals are usually the first thing to get brushed to the wayside. That’s why studies have found you need to be specific about when and where you achieve your goals. For instance, it’s been found that setting a specific time to go to the gym daily will double your chances of sticking to a fitness routine.
Whether its learning to code or speaking a new language, put the goal in your calendar (or iPhone), to make sure it gets done.
Take baby steps
Weightlifters don’t begin training with 500 pound weights; they start small and work themselves up. If you’re an ambitious person, you might be making the equivalent mistake of trying for too heavy of a goal all at once.
We’re not saying you shouldn’t shoot for the stars (you should!), but to reach them, you need to set mini-goals along the way. For example, if you want to start a new career, make a goal of applying for a few jobs a week, and let it snowball from there.
Focus on the journey
“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” –Henry David Thoreau
We’re sorry to be the ones to break it to you, but you goals won’t be achieved overnight. In the meantime, you’re going to have to start to love the journey, and realize the improvements you’re making along the way.
Every step towards a new goal is a step outside your comfort zone and an inch towards your future self. Start realizing this and you’ll unlock the self-motivation to stay in it for the long-haul.
Get an accountability buddy
There’s nothing like having a friend or mentor to motivate you when your motivation is flailing. So one of the best ways to crush your goals this year is to get an accountability buddy. Reach out to someone who can encourage you to grasp higher, or to give you that little push when the going gets tough.
Remember though, mentorship is a two-way street. Don’t forget to ensure you have enough time to help your friend and give while getting.
Say ‘no’ more often
Warren Buffett wisely said that “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.”
Since you’re (hopefully) a polite person, you probably feel obligated to help others with their demands and reaching their goals. But there’s a vast difference between being polite and letting others get in the way of your dreams. It’s simple: help others out when you can, but don’t believe you’re callous or rude if you need to put your own goals first. It’s not being rude; it’s being your own best cheerleader.
Share your tips to crush your goals this year
Do you have any goals you want to take on in 2017, or any tips to crush your goals? The LTH Tribe wants to hear from you!
