Although a new year reminds us to reflect upon the past, don’t wait for a new year to plan for the future. Throughout the year stop to reflect on the goal you set and its value to you. Keeping a note of your goal where you can see it each day may be just the reminder you need to achieve your goal this year.
How will you approach this year? Will you decide to set a goal for the year? Will you choose to let each day take care of itself?
Often New Year’s resolutions are related to health. This year, consider thinking about a goal related to healthy relationships with family, friends, work colleagues, as well as, civility in your daily interactions with others.
Sometimes we wish for instant change or for others to change. It’s worth investing time in thoughtful reflection before setting your goal.
Here are some things to consider:
- Reflect about both the high and low points of the past. Use this time of self-reflection to help you move forward to create your goals. Don’t get stuck on the negative things that happened.
- If there was something you wanted to do last year but didn’t, how might you adjust to be more successful.
- Concentrate on what you can do. We fool ourselves when we think we can make others change.
- Pick a worthwhile but realistic goal that is more than a dream. Set yourself up for success rather than failure.
- Think about the steps you will need to follow to accomplish this goal. State your goal aloud.
- Set goals with details that help you know when and how you plan to accomplish them.
- Concentrate on the positive. Celebrate small successes along the way to the attainment of your goal.
- Be flexible. If you are having trouble keeping the goal you set, consider revising it now instead of waiting.
- What will help you reach your goal? Thinking this through now can help you be more successful.
Most of all remember it is your goal, so you can make changes as needed along the way in order to be able to achieve the results you want. Get started today rather than waiting.
Sources:
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/resolution.aspx
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2728957
Written by: Pat Holmes, CFCS, Family & Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension