We are already into the beginning of March and some of our 2021 goals are slowly slipping away as we often get caught up in our old routines. You might think there is always next year to try again… but it is still not too late to get back on track! Whether your goal is smaller or big, near future or longer-term, or you do not even have a specific goal in mind, try implanting some of these strategies to help you set and keep on track to achieving your goals. 💪
So, starting with step one, “S”- Specific, when you set your goal don’t just say "I want 2021 to be better than 2020". Say exactly what it is you are going to do to make 2021 better, such as: "I am going to workout 3 days a week rather than scrolling through Instagram all day, I am going to love myself, I am going to get straight A’s," etc.
Step 2, “M” - Meaning. When something is meaningful to you, it is going to be more important to you and you are going to be more willing to do what it takes to achieve your goals. So, continuing with the goal of making 2021 better than 2020, why is it important to you that this year is better than last year?
Step 3, “A” - Achievable. It is important to make sure your goal is within your reach, but do not make it such an easy goal that it will not make you much effort to achieve it. Since we are still in a pandemic and depending on where you are there could be a lot of restrictions to keep that in mind when setting your goal.
Step 4, “R” - Relevant. Your goals should be relevant to you, it should not be because someone told you this should be your goal. If the goal does not match your values and beliefs, you might find yourself having trouble achieving goals.
Step 5: “T” – Time-bound. You have to set an exact date on when you plan to achieve these goals. Since in the first step you make specific goals you wanted to achieve during this year. Depending on your goals, set intervals of when you want to have accomplished parts of your goal. This way you can measure your goals and see your progress. For example, if one of your 2021 goals is to get stronger and you are currently only able to squat 50 pounds, but your goal is to be able to squat 90 pounds by the end of the year. Break that down to 3-month intervals so in 3-months your goal is to be able to squat 60 pounds and so on.
Step 6: “E” – Evaluate. In this step you’ll want to be continuously evaluating your methods you’ve implemented to achieve your goals. If you do not, it is easy to slip up and slowly fall out of habit and lose sight of your goals.
Step 7: “R” – Readjust. This is the final step! So, if you find yourself getting suck or not making much of any progress to achieving your goal, you want to readjust your approach. This does not mean you have to give up on your goals but rather try out different things until you find something that works for you. This is why it is important to constantly evaluate your goals.
While you begin implementing your SMARTER goals, it is important to be aware of your mindset as that can easily make or break your ability to achieve your goals. A few months ago, I was reading this book and one thing that really stuck with me was often people say things like “I am shy, lazy, messy", etc. to describe yourself or “this is just how I am.” By saying things like “I am this type of person” you have cut off yourself from any potential growth as you’ve decided this is who you are. It creates a negative cycle, since for example you say “I am shy” but then an amazing job opportunity arises but you can’t take it, why? Because you are shy. Unfortunately, we often lose sight of who we can be as we get stuck in the past and solely focus on what we have done rather than what we can do. My point is it is important to challenge any negative mindset you may have that is holding you back from accomplishing your goals.
-From your favourite, Peer Support Team 💚😎
