How to Set Realistic Goals & Actually Achieve Them
Hello, everyone!
Many of us love to set New Year's Resolutions. It's a new year, a new me mindset, and we want to better ourselves and start fresh. It's the perfect time, right? But, sometimes, the goals we set are hard to keep, or honestly, our goals may be too easy or hard to achieve.
In this blog post, I will share with you how to set realistic goals that fit YOU!
FIY: for the rest of this post, I will use one of my goals as an example to help you through your goals and how I set them. To hear what my goals are, check out my podcast here.
Things I am going to talk about in this post: 1. Figure out what you want to achieve 2. Why do you want to achieve it 4. How you're going to achieve it 5. Timeline to achieve it
What is your goal(s)?
To set goals, you must first figure out what you want to achieve. If you're like, "I have no idea what I want to achieve, Kyndra..." think about where you wished you were yesterday. Still don't know? Think about where you want to be tomorrow. Next week. Next month. Six months. This time next year! Figure that out first (:
Question: What is something you'd like to do or achieve for yourself? For example, I want to incorporate working out into my morning routine.
Now, before we go any further, stop and think.
What is something you want to achieve this year? Again, if this year is too big to think about, what do you want to accomplish by the end of the month?
Try to list at least 3-5 goals you want to achieve within this quarter of the year.
2. Why do you want to achieve this goal?
Now that you have your goal(s), for every single one, list at least one reason why you want to achieve this goal.
This is important because your why is what drives you. It's what keeps you motivated, but even when you're not motivated, it helps you go back to why you set this goal in the first place. If you feel discouraged or want to give up, think of your WHY. From my example of "wanting to incorporate working out in my morning routine," I want to do this to become healthier and actively know I am moving my body intentionally daily. I also want to feel and look my best.
Now, notice something. I didn't mention anyone else.
A tip: make sure your goals are for you. It's OK to better yourself for your significant other, family, and friends, but ultimately, your goal should be yours. Unless "said person" is joining you with this goal you have, do not say: "The reason why I want to workout is so that [insert crush name] likes me more." People are wishy-washy. People change. [Insert crush name] may like you today, and in a few months, when you start to see a change in yourself, they are changing, too.
Make sure "the why" to your goal involves you and is for you. Not someone else... Or because someone told you to.
Now, if one of your goals actively involves someone else, such as, "I want to be a better mom to my kids," obviously, that's OK. I'm talking about more superficial things, such as doing things to be noticed by someone, be liked by others, or get validation from the people around you or the internet. Don't let strangers or peers dictate your motives.
3. How are you going to achieve it?
Alright. We have our goal: To workout in the morning.
We have our why: To be intentional when moving our bodies and become healthier overall.
Now, we need a plan.
Question: How are you going to achieve your goal? This is done by creating a step-by-step process to accomplish the goal. So, let's take my "incorporating working out into my morning routine" example.
To achieve working out in the morning, I will do this:
Step 1: Figure out a time I want to workout in the morning three times a week
Step 2: Set a workout routine for said days
- Monday and Wednesday: arms and cardio
- Tuesday and Thursday: leg day
- Weekends or Missed Days: flexibility/stretching
Step 3: Be consistent
Notice that I even made room for days when I may not achieve/do my goal. I will inevitably have weeks where I'm extremely busy or tired and will not have time to workout at all. Make sure you add space for you to have grace. Some days, you may not be "your best self" to achieve your goal.
4. How long is it going to take?
Setting a timeframe for your goals is essential so you know they are achievable and you can hold yourself accountable.
I'm starting a new static where I only set my goals quarterly. I used to make yearly goals, but I noticed I either forgot some of my goals or they were too far out, so I didn't do them at all.
I think a timeframe such as" Workout in the morning three times a week for the next three months" is better than just "workout daily all year."
Setting a timeframe helps you see the realism of your goals. If they are achievable, it should also help you be accountable for your goals. Was this post helpful to you?
If so, tap the heart at the bottom of this post and leave a comment below or connect with me through any of my links! I'd love to chat! <3
Thank you so much for reading!
Sincerely,
Kyndra Nicholle <3
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