New Year, New Me
“New Year, New Me”
This phrase is probably the most common mantra as we approach the start of the year. We either spend most of the year trying to live up to the expectations we had at the beginning or we’ve put those ideas on the back burner and then vow to be a more motivated person by making it a priority in the new year. Hence the saying, “New Year, New Me.”
I am guilty of this.
I start the year with all of these goals – things that I wanted to accomplish the year before and new things that I added onto my list, but…life got in the way, and before I knew it, the year was already over.
Most of us have been there (or are still there) and I can definitely relate.
This blog, for example, is one of those things that I kept pushing of year after year thinking that I would eventually get to it. I began working on this blog in 2020 – during the pandemic. I was on a great path. I had a plan. I was motivated and on track. But…life happened.
During the pandemic, I was lucky enough to land a job as a full-time teacher. However, I had the obstacles of trying to teach 27 kids virtually while navigating the requirements for my teaching credential and take online college classes. The past year and a half have not only been stressful, but so overwhelming that I didn’t have any time to work on my blog.
Reflecting back, I realize that I need to have a balance. I should also be focusing on things that I am passionate about and MAKE TIME for it. So, I made some time in 2021 to help me organize my priorities so that I can stay focused on achieving my resolutions. I’ve come up with 5 tips to help you successfully reach your goals.
5 Tips to Successfully Reaching Your Goals
1. Set Realistic Expectations
Focus on a few things that you really want to accomplish in the coming year. I think what really gets us overwhelmed is making a long list of resolutions that might not be realistic or a priority. As an exercise write down everything you want to do. Then, look over your list several times and prioritize one to three things you want to accomplish this year. Remember to factor in your investment (whether it be time, training, or monetary). The one thing you don’t want to do is set yourself up for failure.
2. Create a Plan and Take Action
Once you have your first three goals in order, create a plan! Start with the first goal on your list and develop a roadmap so that you can attain this goal by the end of the year. Then, create an action strategy to help you with the steps you need to take to fulfill this goal. Why? Well, you can create the plan, but you MUST take action – otherwise, it’s just words on a piece of paper (or computer screen). This means brainstorming your ideas, researching, organizing, and setting daily or weekly actions to follow through with. To help you get started, I created a FREE Priority Goal Roadmap that you can download by clicking here.
3. Make Time, Not Excuses
This is an obvious one. If you don’t make the time for your goals, then you won’t achieve them. Plain and simple.
4. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Positive, supportive people are the vibe! Energy, whether it be good or bad, is contagious. Your motivation can lack or thrive depending on who you surround yourself with. The reality is, you will have challenging days, but it’s a lot easier to get back up when you have encouraging people in your life. Remember, people don’t always have to understand what you are trying to accomplish, they just have to respect and support your decision.
If you don’t have someone you can talk to, there are several online or in person communities and groups that you can connect with. You can meet people who have the same interests and aspirations as you!
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
I don’t know why people think that in order to succeed in reaching their goals, they have to do it by themselves. Who ever said that you have to reach these goals alone? Recruit friends and family to help you along the way. Ask advice from experienced people. Just like #4 on this list, join a community that has similar interests and goals. You’ll be surprised at how many people have the same questions and concerns as you.
Resolutions aren’t just for the new year. It can happen any day of the year. Create a list of things you would like to accomplish, but don’t overwhelm yourself with everything on your list. Revise, prioritize, and start with number one. Remember, in order to set yourself up for success, you must create a plan and take action.
Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!