Goal Setting in 2022
Small steps are key to achieving big goals
Happy February! We are one month into our New Year’s Resolutions, and I would like to know how everyone is doing with their intended goals? I have heard that most people stick to their New Year’s Resolutions for approximately 17.8 days before abandoning ship. Sometimes we set broad overall goals with no viable plan to successfully navigate the steps needed to achieve them. Here are three steps that may help to keep you focused!
- SMART Goals: Using the SMART goal method allows you to be: Specific about your goals. What do you want to achieve? Are your goals Measurable? Measuring your goals is the best way to stay on track. Be sure to set several small goals to help keep you motivated. Make your goal Achievable. Make sure that you can achieve your goals within the timeframe you set for yourself. Realistic goals are more achievable! Your goals should be realistic and within your means to achieve. Time-oriented goals are valuable when goal setting. Give yourself time to achieve your goal, but make sure you have a hard deadline to have the goals completed.
- Set Positive goals: How many of you know that choosing “losing weight” is not a positive goal? I didn’t know that either! When setting goals, use positive words that help you achieve your goals. Instead of saying, “I want to lose weight.” try “I want to live a healthier lifestyle.” Putting a positive spin on your goals will help your mindset as your work to achieve them.
- Write your goals down: Most of us have a to-do list to help us stay focused and on task. I encourage you to do the same with setting goals. Seeing them in writing is an effective way to remain focused. By writing your goals down, you are much more likely to achieve them. Also, starting a journal to log your day-to-day feelings about your progress can be a powerful tool. Be sure to watch for trends that may be sabotaging your efforts, such as not getting enough sleep and being too tired to prepare a healthy meal or binge eating to sustain the energy needed to make it through the day. A journal can help track your habits and feelings, so you can adjust and straighten your course for successful goal obtainment.
I recommend that you tell the key people in your life about your goals because it will motivate you to achieve them. Your friends and family can be your cheerleaders and will help to fuel your drive to complete your goals. They may also provide insight or tips and tricks to help you. If you need assistance achieving your financial goals, contact me directly by calling (207) 660-6267 or email me at creynolds@newdimensionsfcu.com to set up an appointment.