Happy New Year to you all!
I hope this finds you well and ready to take on the new year.
Around this time of year the internet is flooded with posts and ideas about setting goals and changing habits. Both of which are so important to each one of us.
I often think about what is important to me, what things I want to add into my life, what I want to do differently, where I want to be at this time next year, do any of my habits need to be changed.
I want to see if my habits are aligned with my values and my goals for the future.
Then I sit down and write my goals and habit changes for the year.
Why is having a goal so important?
Research shows that people who set goals for themselves are happier, more driven, and have a greater sense of purpose. When we have something we’re working toward, it’s easier to stay motivated. Sometimes our goals can help us connect with other people, like going to a dance class or taking an art class.
But, when it comes to setting goals we often fall short. We set too many. Our goals are not specific enough. They’re too hard or don’t challenge us enough. Sometimes we set a perfect goal but then don’t have a specific plan on how to execute. And the most important reason we fall short is because we forget about the WHY.
In order to be successful two things MUST be considered:
- The Why: there has to be some skin in the game, you have to be motivated and emotionally driven, it MUST be important to you (not your friend or partner), why now?
- The How: What skills are needed? What is the specific plan (days per week, time of day, activities completed)?
Motivation and willpower are not enough to achieve your goals or change a habit.
Dr. Birkman from University of Oregon defines a goal as “any desired outcome that wouldn’t otherwise happen without you doing something.”
So you must do something different that you’re already doing if you want to achieve your goal.
Still having trouble setting a goal?
Let’s think about this…what do you want to create in your life? Reflect back on your life, what do you wish you had done more of?
I encourage you to go outside for a walk, without your headphones, and just be with yourself. This is often when your best ideas will come.
Re-Imagine Health 2023 will begin in just a few short weeks. We will be discussing goal setting in our first class. How to do it? How to refine them? How to be accountable to them? How to know if the goal you set is achievable?
We will talk about the MOST IMPORTANT component of all behavior change, CONSISTENCY.
Don’t forget you can set up a FREE consultation and let me help you set and achieve your goals for 2023. Just drop me an email! I look forward to hearing from you.
Feel better, Live better.
