We’re thinking about it. You’re thinking about it. Heck, we’re all probably looking back at 2022 and wondering where it went – and how we can make 2023 even better. Setting goals is a great way to step into the new year with confidence and hope. Check out these tips to get started now!
Own it.
Make sure they’re YOUR goals, not what others are doing or what society or social media says you “should” do. If your goals are aligned with your personal values, you’re more likely to stick with them.
Plan for it.
If your goal is to run a marathon, learn a foreign language, or travel more, etc., know what it will take to get there. And act on it now. Will you need a coach, a tutor, or a savings plan to do that? Now’s the time to set yourself up for success.
Grant yourself some grace.
Remember, you make the rules around your own goal setting. Don’t be so rigid that any missteps or backslides contribute to negative self-talk or abandoning your goal. Remind yourself it’s OK to re-start or begin again.
Incentivize yourself.
Pair your goals with something behaviorally rewarding or incentivize yourself with something behaviorally rewarding. If your goal is to fold the laundry the day you pull it out of the dryer, maybe save your favorite podcast to listen to on those laundry days!
Create accountability.
Not everyone’s a self-starter or can stay motivated for the long-haul. Find a group, a partner, a running buddy, a journal, an app, etc., to help you stay the course.
Thanks, as always, to our friend Juliet Kuehnle, MS, NCC, LCMHCS, at Sun Counseling and Wellness for the inspiration and insight for this article.