Embracing a Fresh Start: Setting Achievable Resolutions for Positive Change

Its a new year, are you ready for a new you?

Although setting self-improvement goals is a year-round endeavor, the start of the year offers a particularly favorable opportunity to embark on this path—a moment to embrace a revitalized self.

If you're like me, you've resolved to reduce spending and increase savings, eat healthier, exercise more, or strike a better work-life balance to spend quality time with loved ones. However, it's crucial to question whether these resolutions are grounded in reality. It's easy to declare intentions like skipping daily Starbucks visits to save for retirement, committing to a fitness routine, or disconnecting from your phone at home to connect with your family. These are indeed commendable aspirations, yet resolutions often prove fleeting. We may do well for the first month or two, only to slip back into old habits, as resolutions tend to be somewhat vague.

This is why I believe in setting realistic, concrete goals. While goals may present a greater challenge, the rewards are far more substantial. Ask yourself: What do you truly wish to achieve? How can you genuinely become a better version of yourself?

If you're new to goal-setting and unsure where to begin, consider setting goals that enhance your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

For Your Mind:

Set objectives to expand your intellectual horizons, such as enrolling in a class, acquiring a new skill, immersing yourself in novel reading, or seeking guidance from a counselor or life coach to navigate life's challenges.

For Your Body:

Prioritize your physical health with goals like scheduling regular check-ups with healthcare providers, indulging in self-care activities like massages or facials, experimenting with a fresh hairstyle, engaging in physical activities, and dedicating at least 30 minutes to enjoyable physical pursuits.

For Your Soul:

Nurture your spiritual well-being through goals that involve attending religious services regularly, rekindling meaningful friendships, or dedicating a day to immerse yourself in the peaceful embrace of nature.

How can you take a general goals, like the ones above,  and turn them into realistic obtainable goals? Below are several effective approaches.

1. Be Specific: Clearly define your goal. Instead of saying "I want to eat healthy,” say, 

“I will incorporate at least five servings of fruits and vegetables into my daily meals, reduce my consumption of processed snacks to once a week, and limit sugary beverages to one per week for the next three months.”

2. Set Realistic Goals: While it's good to aim high, make sure your goals are achievable given your current circumstances and resources. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and ultimately not reaching your goal.
"I will exercise for at least 30 minutes, three days a week, for the next three months.”

3. Write Them Down: Document daily, weekly, monthly, short term, or long term goals on paper or digitally. This formalizes your commitment and makes it easier to refer back to them. Review goals on a regular basis.

5. Stay Flexible: Be open to adjusting your goals if circumstances change. Flexibility is key to adapting to unexpected challenges and opportunities.

6. Share Your Goals: Tell someone you trust about your goals. This can be a trusted family member, friend, mentor or life coach, therapist/counselor, or support group, This can provide accountability and support.

7. Learn from Setbacks: Understand that setbacks are a natural part of goal-setting. Instead of giving up, use setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve. Learn from your mistakes, adjust your approach and stay committed

8. Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude. Believing in yourself and your ability to achieve your goals can make a significant difference.

In conclusion, the new year provides an excellent chance for personal growth and lasting positive change. Unlike vague resolutions that often wane quickly, setting clear, attainable goals instills your aspirations with purpose and direction. It's crucial to assess your goals' feasibility within your current context and commit them to writing for accountability and progress tracking. Remember to acknowledge your achievements and see setbacks as opportunities for development. Maintaining a positive outlook and having faith in your capacity to achieve your goals will ensure your motivation remains steadfast as you embark on a fulfilling journey toward becoming an improved version of yourself. Embrace this fresh start, and may your pursuit of self-improvement be both rewarding and successful.

Contact Kim Horner if you would like help setting realistic, attainable goals for 2024!