Setting goals like a boss. . . or at least like a sane person

New Year’s Resolutions…

How does that term make you feel?

Excited?

Inspired?

Anxious?

Overwhelmed?

Everyone has their own take on New Year’s Resolutions. Just do a simple web search and tons of articles will pop up discussing every possible thing remotely related to how to set them, why they are horrible, why they are the greatest thing ever, why you should do them, why you shouldn’t, and everything in between. Is your brain hurting yet?

That, my friend, is overwhelming.

And just like that, you’re done with the idea of setting goals.

But hold up for a hot sec, we’re doing 2024 differently, so let’s set goals differently, too!

Being healthy in today’s world is not easy.

Not because we don’t know how, but because we are so overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information - most of which is either someone’s opinion or just cleverly portrayed marketing materials designed to get you to spend more money.

It’s frustrating.

People’s perspective on New Year’s Resolutions, I have found, is largely dependent on their experience with making and keeping them.

Those who crush their goals often have a more positive outlook on the experience, while those who have either given up or not reached their goals in the past have a more negative take.

Neither is right or wrong. It just comes down to perspective.

But just know that the statistics are working against you. 88% of New Year’s Resolutions fail by February.

But again, we’re doing 2024 differently!

So, what are my thoughts on New Year’s Resolutions?

Well, you see. . .

It doesn’t matter what my thoughts are on the topic. What does matter, however, are your thoughts.

If you’re all in, great! Let’s get to it!! But if you’re a little more hesitant, keep reading. I have just the thing to turn that frown upside down!

When I start working with a new health coaching client, one of the first things we do is set goals.

We begin by looking at the areas of their life they would like to change and why. The key is the “why”.

Then we talk about how their life might be different when they are successful with making those changes.

Finally, we look at the “how”. How do we actually make changes?

From this discussion, a beautiful plan of action is born!

It’s great to set a goal of losing 10 lbs, for example. But that’s usually where any sort of planning ends.

You know you need to start working out and probably eat better, so let’s do that! Great! But, how? Ugh.

It unravels quickly….

By taking the time to answer basic questions, setting a goal really just becomes making an action plan. Take the example of losing 10 lbs. Here are questions I would ask this client to help her shape an action plan:

Why do you want to lose weight?

How will your life be different when you lose weight?

What date do you want to achieve this goal?

Who can help hold you accountable for this goal?

What is one thing you could do THIS WEEK to set yourself up on the right track?

Then we would get into the nitty-gritty of planning.

Let me tell you a little secret.

Setting a goal of losing 10 lbs in a month is not realistic. If that’s your goal, you’re already setting yourself up to fail. How about we reframe that goal?

Let’s try something like this:

New Goal: Feel confident in the bridesmaid’s dress I bought for my sister’s wedding in May which is one size smaller than I am now.

Those two goals may be very similar but the second one is much more “do-able”. What that new goal does is give a measurable goal (wearing the dress in a specific size) while also being realistic.

It also changes the focus. The focus is put on something more positive, feeling confident. Although that is not a measurable goal, it’s okay because the measurable part is the dress. It just makes it more positive.

See what we did there?

It’s a little tricky to do this for the first time. It’s also tricky to do this by yourself. If you’re anything like me, you’re your own worst critic!

Luckily for you, this is what I love to do! I put together a workbook for you to help you with this process. This workbook isn’t just for New Year’s Resolutions either. It’s just Goal Setting 101. And it’s the process I use with my clients so I know it works!

If you’re not ready to use this workbook right away, that’s okay too! Maybe print it off or save it to your computer for a rainy day.

I want to help you be successful!

Remember, keep your goals realistic. No goal is too small. It’s those small goals that help to build confidence and keep the momentum moving forward.

I want to know, what are your goals? Is there anything I can help you with to achieve them?

I want to know! I’ll send you my free goal-setting workbook to help you start planning your super-successful 2024!

Cheers to a happy and healthy new year! 🥂🍾

What are your goals for 2024? How can I help? I would love to help support you however I can! Simply send me an email at Lindsay@fullbloomacres.com and let me know! I’ll even send you my free goal-setting workbook just for replying. Let’s do 2024 differently!