Goal Setting

As the new year begins, loads of people desire to make drastic changes to their life. Oftentimes, these resolutions last a week or two, and then we fizzle out. Why do we do this, and how can we be effective in achieving goals we set?

To begin, the problem lies in how extreme we make our goals. We have grandiose plans of reinvention January 1st. Why do we think we’ll become suddenly disciplined, motivated, and consistent? We overestimate the power of motivation and underestimate the power of habit building. So, when that perfect version of ourselves doesn’t show up immediately, we assume we’ve failed. In reality, the goal itself may have been unrealistic, not our ability to achieve it.

Resolutions can also fall apart because of pressure. Goals influenced by social media, comparison, or guilt rarely last because they aren’t tied to us personally. When motivation comes from external expectations, it fades quickly. Effective goals come from understanding what we actually need, not what we think we should want.

To be effective in achieving goals, we need to redefine success. Progress does not have to be dramatic to be real. Small, consistent actions are far more powerful than short bursts of perfection. When goals are specific and tied to our values, they become less intimidating and more achievable. Instead of chasing perfectionism in our goals, chase consistency.

Consistency is unique for each goal and each person. It could mean showing up 100% one day but 5% the other day. The difference is that there is effort applied no matter what. If we try to be perfect, we’ll find ways to justify pushing off a goal or deadline.

It’s easy to overcomplicate goals, so here’s a short, effective list to begin.

1. Be specific. Vague goals like “get good grades” or “lose weight” don’t have substance we can hold onto the whole year. Our goals need structure for them to feel attainable. For example, let’s use the get good grades goal. Ask yourself: Do I want As? Bs? How long will I study? Questions like these give you a baseline of how this goal is going to be accomplished.

2. Make sure your goals are realistic. It’s important for them to be specific, but don’t get overly tied up in the details. Asking the questions is necessary, but understand yourself and your limits.

3. Start! The perfect time truly is now. Having a growth mindset over a perfectionist one will build your habits and make you consistent. 

Growth isn’t quick, so it’s important for us to be patient. Over time, you will see progress and change in your goals and who you are as a person. Of course, these steps can come at any point in your life. You don’t need to wait until a new year begins for a fresh reset. Changing your mindset and goal setting techniques will help you in all aspects of life.