By Kacie Wedel
2020 is officially over! Anyone else let out a big sigh of relief? Now that it’s the new year, I’m sure you’ve thought about what changes you might want to make. “New Year resolutions” – we all make them in some way or another. But do you find yourself not following through with them after a couple of weeks?
Many of us end up renouncing our resolutions within the month of making them. This has brought on the appropriately named “Quitter’s Day.” While the specific day varies each year, one truth remains the same. We give up.
To counteract this habit, we need to change our way of thinking. Why not focus on setting and achieving goals instead? The difference in a goal versus a resolution is that a goal is the object of your ambition, while a resolution is something you firmly decide not to do.
This is not to say don’t set a resolution or goal for the new year. We should always want to further ourselves! In order to achieve the outcome we want from the new year we need one key thing – accountability.
Setting personal goals
To become accountable to ourselves, we first need to decide on what goals we want to set and why they’re important. I’ll start!
This year I’ve got a lot on my plate and I’m determined to be successful! From starting a new job, becoming a full time student at University, and being an intern – you could say I’ve possibly taken on too much. How can I achieve all I’ve set out to do when I’m a perpetual quitter?
In setting my goals this year, I’ve had to really look at what my priorities are. To be successful in what you’re wanting to achieve follow these steps:
1. Be specific
By specifying what outcome you’re looking for, you are able to keep a better track of where you are in your progress, how far you’ve come, and how much farther you need to go. This will also help you see how you need to go about accomplishing your tasks at hand.
2. Be relevant
When setting your goals, it’s important that you aim for what is relevant to you here and now. If the goal doesn’t matter to you when you’re setting it, it’s going to be a much harder one to attain. Your attention will waver and you can become more likely to abandon your plans.
3. Be realistic
Being realistic in setting goals can compare to being relevant. You’ll want to aspire to achieve something that is actually achievable that way you continue to stay motivated while you’re working towards your end goal.
4. Be visual
Visual guides are a great way to help keep you encouraged so that you can obtain your desired outcome. They can also help provide an optimistic way of looking at what needs to be done, as well as presenting new possibilities in how to carry out your goals.
The significance of these points remains. However, don’t stress to the point of not even trying! By setting mini goals along the way toward your end goal, you can continue to motivate yourself with small rewards. Don’t underestimate the work that you can accomplish once you set your mind to it.
Why are goals important?
Whether you’re a student, a working woman, stay home mom, or anything in between, we all wind up with a lot on our plate at times. It’s important to set some goals for ourselves no matter what they may be. It could be as simple as, “I’m going to do the laundry today,” and that’s the only goal you set.
The role accountability plays in being successful
Being accountable for yourself is key in achieving the goals you set.
If you tend to struggle with self doubt like I do, try and find someone that can become an “accountability partner.” Someone that will check in with you on your progress and make sure you’re still on track. Someone that will encourage you when you want to give up.
The accountability we present ourselves will help us remain motivated and encouraged.
It will also help us not detour from our end target. This works because you are committing to yourself, and maybe to your support system, that you are wanting to make a change.
Introducing accountability into your standard of living is useful in your personal life as well as your work life. To be accountable is to be reliable and responsible. These are great characteristics to have when trying to find your way in the world.
Stuck on what goals to set for yourself in the New Year? Here are some suggestions.
It can be hard to determine what you want to gain from the New Year, so here are some suggestions.
Promoting harmony in our lives is to promote a sense of positivity and production. Focusing on a healthy mindset and balance in our everyday environment is a great goal to keep. This is one that can be kept throughout the year, for all of our years to come, with continual room for improvement.
One of the most popular goals people look to obtain is improving our health. Maybe we promise to spend more time outside, or that we’ll cut out all the sugary drinks. Whichever it may be, the focus of improving your health can have a positive affect in a holistic way.
To be introspective is to be self analytical. Consider thinking about the state of your mental health and if there are areas in need of growth. We are always learning new things about ourselves and the opportunity to grow is endless. Being introspective can help build character and is beneficial in all areas of life.
Be accountable to yourself and don’t give up
Each of our goals will differ. This is crucial to remember when trying to achieve the outcome you are wanting.
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Every one of us is responsible for our own actions. We may not be able to control the circumstances life throws our way, but we can control how we react and handle those situations.
It’s important to note that you might fail, and you know what? That’s okay! If this worries you try and prepare a “Plan B” so that you’re not discouraged to the point of giving up entirely.
Setting goals and sustaining accountability is something we all need to take into consideration and practise. Your goals will help you forge your own path, and they will motivate us to continually try and be better.
Kacie Wedel
After taking a few years to travel to different countries, Kacie rediscovered her love of writing and living a more mindful lifestyle. When she’s not in a coffee shop or pilates class, you can catch her in the vintage shops in Portland, Oregon on the hunt for her next great find.
8 comments
Bookmarked your website for easy access! These articles are great
Thank you so much for your support, Ian!