How to Set Realistic Goals for the New Year.

By Troy Rampy, Editor, The Wellness Blog™

“Continuous effort — not strength or intelligence — is the key to unlocking your potential.”    — Sir Winston Churchill

It’s that time again. The first of the year … the time for New Year’s resolutions.

“Oh groan”, did I hear you say? “Please spare us.”

Well yeah, you’re right. New Year’s resolutions have developed, and earned, a bad reputation.

The reason is most people have no intention of actually keeping their resolutions. These are usually no more than a feeble wish list … a wistful drive-by attempt to remedy what isn’t working. It’s the diet, the project(s), the self-improvement endeavor(s) that are doomed to failure as soon as you mention NYR.

My recommendation? Don’t go there. Instead, set some realistic goals for yourself that you can, and will, see through to completion.

“And exactly how do I do that?”

Well, I thought you’d never ask.

Setting realistic goals is an integral part of Taking Control of Your Time. That’s one of the seven strategies I present in my new eBook: The 7 Time-Proven Strategies to Reduce Stress: Your Guide To True Wellness & A More Fulfilling Lifestyle™.

As my beginning-of-the-year gift to you, following is a small part of what’s included in that section.

There are basically two secrets to successfully achieving any goal. Setting realistic goals is the first one. Following through, on time, is the second one. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Actually, it is.

Here are the steps that will help make it easier for you, and more effective:

• Select and pursue goals that are consistent with your true values. I show you how to identify your true values in the eBook. But for now, simply sit down and list your values. Write down what’s important to you in each of these key areas of your life: CAREER … FINANCES … HEALTH/ WELL-BEING … FRIENDS … SPOUSE/ SIGNIFICANT OTHER … FAMILY/ CHILDREN … AGING PARENTS … FUN/ RECREATION/ HOBBIES/ TRAVEL … LEARNING/ PERSONAL GROWTH … CREATIVITY … SPIRITUALITY … COMMUNITY … PEACE OF MIND … HAPPINESS/ FULFILLMENT. Be sure to include any other areas of your life that are important to you. If your goals are not consistent with your true values, you’re much less likely to fulfill them.
• Set goals that are actually achievable. Don’t shoot for something that’s an unattainable fantasy. In other words, set realistic goals that you can believe in and see yourself achieving.
• Set positive goals — something you’re working towards, not against. For example, instead of “Stop eating junk food,” make your goal “Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed food.”
  
• Schedule a completion date for each goal. Start with your goals for the year and then break them down into smaller, bite-sized steps for one day, one week, one month, one project. Then, do whatever it takes to complete your goal, on time!
• Write down your goals and list each step. Here’s an example. Clean garage: 1) Throw out unwanted items or set aside for donation. 2) Organize things on storage shelves and in cabinets. 3) Organize tools. 4) Sweep.
• Read your written goals often and stay on track. Do this even as you deal with interruptions and changes/upgrades in your plans.
• Be sure to reward yourself at the completion of each goal, and after completing each major step along the way! This is more important than you might think. You’re less likely to continue striving toward the completion of your goals if your only reward is to be more efficient so that then you can do more work. Yuck! That won’t keep you going for long.

Make your rewards pleasurable and meaningful, even if they’re small. Rewarding yourself for a job well done is a positive way of encouraging yourself to keep setting and achieving your goals.

So don’t waste time this year with wishful NYRs. Instead, set realistic goals throughout the year and complete each one, on time. Then, reward yourself.

Happy New Year. May this coming year be your best one yet!

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