Goal setting. It’s a topic you’ve probably covered in high school business class, into university, with your parents, counsellors, and even on Instagram. And while goals and resolutions can be a great motivator to put you on the path to a productive and successful life, it’s easy to get caught up in the expectations and become disappointed if you don’t accomplish what you set out to achieve. Setting goals is important because it’s a really great way to build self confidence, increase productivity, trigger repetitive behaviour, and more according to Forbes. As with anything in life, too much of something can be unhealthy, so hopefully when you set your resolutions, these are a few things you kept in mind.
- Goal setting
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- Goal orientation
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Your 2020 goals need to be attainable, and if they’re not, it’s never too late to adjust them. If you want to read 15 books this year, but in 2019 you only had time to read 10, don’t set yourself up for failure because that will only disappoint you. Or, if you really want to hit that 15-book-resolution, give yourself and wider window, such as encouraging yourself to read every day before bed, or on your commute to school or work, or even allow audio books to count towards that goal. Keeping goals realistic will keep you motivated and excited to reach these resolutions, instead of intimidating you before you even start.
There are four general goal areas that you should try to approach throughout your goal setting to give you a rounded, well balanced resolution list this year.
The first area is mental, which includes emotions, spirituality, and personal development. An example of a goal in this area would be something like “In 2020, I want to be more confident.”
The second area is physical, including your health and tangible environment, with goals such as “I want to get more fit,” or “I want to minimize my belongings in my apartment.”
Third is the emotional area, with family, social and romantic relationships. A goal in this area would be “I want to meet more girls in my university program.”
Lastly is the educational and career area, which includes everything from your income and wealth to work, school and anything that would better your professional career. A goal in this area could be “I want to save $5000,” or “I want to get a 3.0 GPA in semester one.”
Something else that will help you achieve your goals is to adjust your time frames and measurements. So instead of just generally saying that you want to read 15 books in 2020, give yourself a way to measure it and a time limit. For example, split it up to give yourself a specific number to read during the winter and fall semesters, and a specific number for summer and winter break. You can even pick out the books before the year starts and visually have them in your room or your library wish list so that you are always reminded of that goal.
It can be hard to not compare your goals to other people’s goals, especially with the New Year’s trend on YouTube and social media, but just remember that everyone is going at a different pace. There are many motivational Instagram and YouTube accounts that will encourage you to reach your goals, such as @werenotreallystrangers and @thefabstory. Giving yourself a week off of social media can not only refocus you and give you time to achieve your goals but can also re-energize you and remind you that the influencers on social media are posting their highlights, and it’s okay to not be perfect!
There are tons of resources to use to help keep you on track and motivated, and something as simple as starting a bullet journal can immensely help you track your progress. It doesn’t have to be flashy or fancy! Keeping it straight to the point and minimal can help you focus on the real task at hand, that being actually achieving your goals! Lastly, it is really important to reward yourself after all your hard work! Although many of your resolutions might not be finished until the end of the year, having something to look forward to can encourage you and will act as a treat for you after pushing yourself through 2020.
If your current New Year’s resolutions, aren’t working out, here are some basic and general resolution ideas for 2020 to help you become the best version of yourself:
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Be more confident.
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Read more.
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Less electronic time. (Put this energy into another goal)
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Get more experience in your industry.
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Exercise and keep healthy.
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Try new foods.
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Drink more water.
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Try one new hobby.
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Walk more.
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Curate stronger, more meaningful relationships with those around you.
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Have a goal for your average/GPA in classes.
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Take more breaks when you need them.
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Try to keep your space clean, even if that means cleaning for 15 minutes every day.
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Spend less money on coffee.
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Spend more time outside.
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Have a friend’s night out once a month.
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Make use of the amazing city you live in! Explore and visit different neighbourhoods.