At the beginning of each new year, my social media feed usually floods with a variety of ways to start fresh, create the ideal version of ourselves, and cultivate better lifestyles. Videos and tips like these are always so inspiring to me, so I thought I would share a few of my own goal-setting techniques that keep me on the path toward my best self.
One of my favorite things to do to begin setting goals for the new year is to make a vision board. This can mean anything you want it to be, and there’s no right or wrong way to make one! A vision board is just a collection of images that are a visual representation of your goals and aspirations for the year. Your vision board can be anything from relationship goals, health goals, positive affirmations, lifestyle representations, to getting a pet, your dream school, job, house, and everything in between! I just search for images that inspire me to strive and push harder for whatever I may be working toward that year.
Pinterest is a great place to start, but I have also found that using images from my own camera roll that make me happy or that I want to continue to have in my life is also a great place to start. Incorporating words and quotes from books can also add dimension to your collage as well. Once your vision board is finished, I suggest putting it somewhere you glance at every day to remind you of your goals, such as setting it as your laptop background or printing it out, and getting crafty with a canvas and hanging it in your room! Your vision board will serve as a positive reminder throughout the busy and stressful year of what your goals are centering,
My next tip is to have a clear list, whether it’s on paper or in your head of where your priorities lay, and in what order. I am the type of person who loves being involved and having a busy schedule. However, I am not one to flake out on responsibilities, and I aim to dedicate an adequate amount of time to each responsibility I commit to in order to avoid spreading myself too thin. I like to have a clear plan and ranking of things I find important to me personally, and work, school, and extracurricular commitments.
Having this list is super important when figuring out how to manage my time. (Don’t forget to carve out time for yourself to take care of yourself!) I plan around my list of priorities and make sure to always have enough time for everything at the top of my list. Like most things, this is easier said than done, but it is useful when needing to find clarity and decluttering the stressed-out mind when you can just whip out this list and recenter yourself. With this list, you can begin to rework your life toward the goals you set for yourself on your vision board, and you can incorporate changes where you feel necessary.
Lastly, I would make sure that each goal is measurable and can be attainable within your current time frame and parameters. Stay inspired and grounded. Show kindness to yourself and others. We got this! Best of luck with your goal setting, and happy New Year!