Two Simple Tips To Help You Succeed With Your New Year’s Goals

New Years is a great time to set new goals for the future. And I know it can certainly seem overwhelming. The excitement of a new year makes us feel like we have to make immediate big changes and that can often lead to fatigue, burnout, and an overall shock to the system. And so, they fail oftentimes, as expected. Instead, there are a couple things to keep in mind when setting new goals that I think can really help make your goals more realistic and attainable.

            The first thing is to remember to START SMALL. Create small, easy goals for yourself that you can incorporate into your life without much hassle. Nothing is too small. Remember small goals help us to check boxes in our heads that can lead to satisfaction and encouragement. Small things also compound over time and are the building blocks to creating larger, lasting change.

The other thing to remember is to SET DETAILED, SPECIFIC GOALS. Many times, our goals are too broad and vague to really measure in any satisfactory way. We get lost in the haze of vagary and can easily get swept astray, which can lead to frustrating and demoralization. Make sure your small goals have detailed, specific steps that you can measure each day in order to track your progress.

And that’s it. Simple, simple, simple. I have started my goals list for next year and am going to share it below (I produced 5 goals but don’t think you even have to have 5 goals, 1-3 goals is perfectly sufficient). Remember big journeys always start with small steps forward. Nothing is too small or inconsequential. Celebrate the little victories and continue to grow each day and allow yourself to be proud of your accomplishments. Happy growing! 🙂

My 2020 Resolutions/Goals:

1. Write more.
   1. Write for at least two minutes every day, even if it’s about nothing.
   2. Start a new “journal” if you have to, just make it a routine to write down your thoughts and feelings, unfiltered and authentic. Write at least 2-3 sentences per day.
2. Spend less time distracted on apps.
   1. Delete apps on your phone so that they are less accessible (facebook, reddit, etc.)
   2. Block certain websites that lead to wasted time/distractions.
   3. Limit time on social media to 30 minutes per day.
3. Become more mindful.
   1. Set aside 5-10 minutes each morning to meditate, free from distraction.
   2. Immerse yourself in music for at least ten minutes per day, and be sure to do nothing but listen to the music.
   3. Take time throughout the day to stop and take in the sights, sounds, and smells around you. You can at least do this first thing in the morning, and before you go to bed. Draw your attention back to your breath, especially during times of stress.
4. Develop your blog.
   1. Take 30 minutes- 1 hour a week to delve into research on how to grow your blog/make it more marketable.
      1. Join blog help groups.
      2. Sift through Q and As and Youtube channels dedicated to blog help.
      3. Contribute to forums that can help expose your blog (for example, write answers in forums like Quora 2-3 times per week)
   2. Collaborate with others who are like-minded and interested in growing on the same platforms (blogging, podcasting, etc)
      1. Start by messaging your friend Johnny about this and learn from and work with him weekly since he is an active blogger/video maker. His insights can be helpful.
5. Become less stressed.
   1. Join a gym and exercise at least 2-3 times per week for an hour each, balancing strength training and cardio (create a separate, more detailed exercise regimen to follow).
   2. Meditate daily, especially in the morning for 5-10 minutes, add ambient music if it helps.
   3. Start the day off thinking about three things to be grateful for in your life. Take time to feel the appreciation in your body. You can easily do this in the shower.
   4. Take time to reconnect with family and friends while you are out of town for work. Call at least one person you love daily and talk to them for at least five minutes.
   5. Tell yourself you are worthy and deserving of love in the mirror each morning. Look into your eyes and tell yourself wholeheartedly.
   6. Continue talking to your therapist 5 X per week about your day to day experience, anxiety, negative thoughts, and dealing with pain/trauma.