Goals: Making and Succeeding

People often think of making grand goals in January, but who says we can’t make smaller, more meaningful goals to help us evolve, grow, learn and become our best selves throughout the year? Even though people who make New Year’s resolutions have the best intentions, studies show that more than 80% of those resolutions are given up by mid-February. Why? It’s usually because we are overly ambitious and we try to do it alone. 

Try these tips to set yourself up for success: 

·      Think of the “why” or the “purpose” of your desire for change. Reflect on your values, virtues and what matters most to you. Make it meaningful to you. 

·      Start smaller than you think and succeed at that. Self-efficacy goes a long way. 

·      Be as specific as possible. Think about the when, where and how it will work. Also think about the “If/then” response. “If ___, then I will ______. 

·      Accept that not every day is going to go as planned. Be kind to yourself. 

·      Believe in yourself and practice self-compassion. Remember to talk to yourself as you would a friend, child, spouse, sibling, parent, co-worker, stranger, etc. 

·      Set yourself up for success. If you want to eat better, stock your refrigerator with healthy “go to” snacks and put away the “go to” junk food. 

·      Build on your successes. Once you have mastered a new habit, add to it, if you want more. 

·       Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest successes each day. Seriously, give yourself credit for every accomplishment – big or small. 

·      Have an accountability partner!!!! (friend, spouse, coach…) 

If you would like an accountability partner at this time or any time throughout the year, please be in touch at angie@bestinself.com or 301-806-0909. 

Self-Satisfaction comes from knowing that you did your best to become your best.