Here’s How to Create Goals That Actually Stick
January 1st is right around the corner, and it’s that time again when we feel compelled to reflect on the past year and plan for the future. But let’s face it, setting goals for the new year can feel overwhelming, especially after a rollercoaster year like 2020. COVID-19 reminded us how unpredictable life can be. While it brought challenges, it also gave us something rare: time. Time to focus on what matters most, time to reflect on our values, and time to consider what we want our future to look like. So, how do we turn that reflection into actionable steps for 2024?
For many of us, this year was a wake-up call—a reminder that life is precious and worth living intentionally. But creating goals that actually stick requires more than just good intentions. It demands a clear strategy, realistic expectations, and a deep connection to our values. In this blog, we’ll explore how to set and achieve goals that not only inspire you but also stand the test of time.
Why Most Goals Fail
We’ve all been there: the excitement of writing down our New Year’s resolutions only to abandon them a few weeks later. So, why does this happen?
Overwhelm: Setting goals that are too big or vague can feel daunting. Without a clear plan, we lose momentum.
Borrowed Dreams: Sometimes, we’re chasing goals that aren’t truly ours. Maybe they’re influenced by societal expectations or other people’s ideas of success.
Lack of Realism: Goals that don’t align with our current mindset, environment, or resources are destined to fail.
The solution? Start with SMART goals — specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Let’s dive into what that looks like in practice.
The Power of SMART Goals
SMART goals provide a framework that makes your objectives more achievable. Here’s what each component means:
Specific: Be clear about what you want to achieve. For example, instead of saying, “I want to save money,” specify, “I want to save $5,000 for a down payment on a house.”
Measurable: Quantify your goal so you can track progress. How will you know when you’ve succeeded?
Attainable: Set goals that are challenging yet realistic. Ask yourself if it’s feasible given your current circumstances.
Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your values and long-term objectives.
Time-Bound: Set a deadline to create urgency and accountability.
For a more in-depth explanation, check out my IGTV video (@morgannblackman) where I break down SMART goals step-by-step.
Breaking Down Goals into Smaller Steps
Big goals can feel intimidating, but breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps makes them more achievable. Let’s say your ultimate goal is to run a 5K marathon. Instead of jumping straight into intense training, start with smaller milestones:
Week 1: Walk 1K three times a week.
Week 2: Jog 1K twice a week.
Week 3: Increase to 2K runs.
Continue building gradually until you’re ready for the full 5K.
This incremental approach not only builds momentum but also creates habits that stick. As James Clear highlights in his book Atomic Habits, “All we really need to do is get 1% better each day.” Small, consistent actions compound into significant results over time.
Embedding Goals in Your Environment
One of the simplest yet most effective strategies for sticking to your goals is to make them visible. Here’s how:
Sticky Notes: Write your goals on sticky notes and place them where you’ll see them daily (e.g., your bathroom mirror, computer screen, or refrigerator).
Vision Boards: Create a visual representation of your goals using images and affirmations. Display it in a space you frequent.
Phone Reminders: Set notifications that prompt you to take action toward your goals. For example, schedule an alert to remind you to meditate or review your budget.
The more you see your goals, the more they stay top of mind. This constant exposure reinforces your commitment and keeps you motivated.
Other Hacks to Stick to Your Goals
Sticking to your goals requires consistency and creativity. Here are some additional tips:
Use Habit Trackers: Record your progress daily or weekly to build accountability.
Reward Milestones: Celebrate small wins to stay motivated. For example, treat yourself to a nice dinner after hitting a savings milestone.
Find Accountability Partners: Share your goals with a trusted friend or mentor who can check in on your progress.
Automate What You Can: Use apps or tools to automate aspects of your goals, such as automatic transfers to a savings account or reminders to pay bills.
The Importance of Reassessing Goals
Life is unpredictable, and your goals should evolve with it. Regularly revisiting and updating your goals ensures they remain relevant and achievable. Here’s how to do it:
Schedule Quarterly Reviews: Set aside time every three months to assess your progress and make adjustments.
Adapt to Change: If circumstances shift, don’t hesitate to tweak your goals. Flexibility is key.
Learn from Setbacks: View obstacles as opportunities to refine your strategy rather than as failures.
For example, if your financial situation changes, you might need to adjust your savings goals or revise your budget. The key is to stay proactive and responsive.
As we step into 2024, let’s commit to setting goals that are meaningful, achievable, and aligned with our values. Remember, the journey to achieving your goals isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. By setting SMART goals, breaking them into smaller steps, and embedding them in your environment, you’ll set yourself up for success. And don’t forget to revisit and revise your goals regularly to ensure they continue to serve you.
Whatever your aspirations for the new year—whether they’re financial, personal, or professional—take the first step today. The future you’ve always dreamed of is within reach. Let’s make 2024 the year we not only set goals but also achieve them.
Comment below and let me know your thoughts! Be sure to check out my YouTube channel for the video version of this blog post and if you're ready to take your financial wellness journey to the next level, then look below for additional coaching services and resources that can help you build lasting wealth and abundance.
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