From Resolutions to Lifestyle Changes
2021 is behind us, and now it is time to look forward to 2022. We all have heard the saying, “new year, new me.” Yet, most of us get caught up with our hectic schedules and eventually leave our goals at the wayside. So how can we set goals that we can ultimately achieve? The best method is to set specific goals that allow you to take small steps as a part of a larger goal. After all, it is not a race. You are not in competition with anyone other than yourself. Achieving goals can quickly become habits that then become positive lifestyle changes.
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My Own Goals for 2022
- Make time for self-care and explore ways to reduce stress.
- Establish consistent fitness habits that enable me to reach my weight loss goal. (I started in July but I am continuing this goal into 2022)
- Fuel my body with healthy foods.
- Set aside time to practice sketching each week.
- Delve deeper into my creative side.
- Step outside of my comfort zone more.
- Take some interesting online courses.
- Learn the ins and outs of investing.
- Double my 2021’s contribution to my retirement account.
Read on:
Why Does it Matter How You Set Goals?
Anyone can say I want to work out every day. But is that practical or even healthy for someone brand new to exercising? Most likely, the answer is a resounding no. A far more effective method is setting small daily or weekly goals toward your ultimate goal, which will give you the best chance for success. You can easily adjust the frequency of the task as your progress towards your larger goal.
Awesome Books for Goal Setting:
- Get Money by Kristen Wong
- Get Rich, Lucky B*tch by Denise Duffield-Thomas
- You Can Do Hard Things: How to Ditch the Excuses & Achieve Your Dreams by SheriLynn Alcala
- Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
Should I tell others about my goals?
If you are comfortable, you could opt to share your goals with others. However, I think this approach can have some potential downsides. For instance, if you share your goals with the wrong person, they may offer unsolicited advice or unhelpful remarks instead of support.
People can be tricky. For example, sometimes others like you just as you are because it makes them feel secure about themselves. I have seen quite a few people in my time quit goals because of how others spoke to them when they noticed their progress while they remained the same.
The moral of the story is to be careful what you share with others. Instead of sharing at the start of your journey, perhaps say nothing and let your results speak for themselves once you achieve your goal. This is less about the other person and more about ensuring your own success. Consider it one less obstacle to your goal. Stay focused on yourself and crush those goals.
How to Hold Yourself Accountable
One simple way to stay accountable is to actively track your goals and keep that data in a place where you see it daily. Modern-day solutions are to track your progress through apps or to create a digital vision board. I love using apps because I can examine my progress over the course of a year with just a few clicks. If you prefer real visual aids, then use a bulletin board or a printable chart to mark your progress. Having a daily reminder will help you stay on track.
Recognize There is No Need to Rush
Last year I started my own weight loss journey but I had no desire to do any crazy crash diets or to lose it in a short period of time. I’ve seen how that sort of approach can be incredibly damaging. Remember the early 2000s diet culture? Yeah yikes.
Instead, I sought the advice of my doctor, established a plan, and began with small steps towards my goal. To be specific my ultimate goal is to lose 50 pounds in a year. My fitness journey began at the end of July 2021 and so far I have lost 30 pounds through healthy eating and walking. Setting small goals on the way to my main goal has been the most effective approach. Moreover, I have no plans of rushing to the finish line.
It’s like the classic tale of “The Tortoise and the Hare” from Aesop’s Fables. Slow and steady truly does win the race. Be kind to yourself, ignore external influences, and allow yourself to go at your own pace. If you have some setbacks, don’t beat yourself up and quit. Take a beat, reassess what went wrong and focus on what you can control to get back on track. You can do anything you put your mind to!
Hello everyone! I am a Boston based blogger that loves all things travel and lifestyle. You can usually find me working away at my university job, snapping pictures, thrifting, or trying out some new recipes.
Tim says
Love the post and goal setting! It always makes the goals more real when you write them down (doubly so with publishing them online). Even though people probably won’t mention them to you, it just feels more concrete if others know.
Keara Douglas says
Yes, I agree that we all need to recognize that there is no need to rush your goals. Great things happen when you’re patient but working hard at the same time. Great post!
Monica says
Great info. Lots of good ideas.