How to Smash Your Goals in 2022
The years 2020 and 2021 taught us a lot about uncertainty, to the point where now we probably have gotten used to plans changing on a whim or at least a bit more comfortable with variability. Nevertheless, the beginning of a new year is a hopeful time. It is often a time where we daydream and envision our ideal future and motivate ourselves to turn our vision of this future into reality by smashing our goals.
My method of goal setting remains the same, but I wanted to add a few specifics this time around:
1.START WITH A YEAR REVIEW
I know this might seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth your time. Don’t stress, just be honest with yourself. If you had a planner last year, just look back through the months and assess everything without judgment. The easiest way to do this review is by answering these 5 questions:
Identify 3 to 5 things that made you proud from 2021
If you set goals for 2021, how far did you get?
Identify what worked well, what didn’t work and why
Are there things you would like to improve, start or stop doing?
What are some of the lessons you learned last year that you want to keep moving forward?
2. PRIORITIZE YOUR GOALS
Now that you’ve done your review, identify the top priority areas that you want to work on whether it is career, finances, health, relationships, etc. It could be all of the above, but pinpoint specific things in each category to work on. Remember, this is not about anyone else but you.
3. WRITE YOUR GOALS DOWN
A sure way to make things happen is to write it down. It sounds strange, but there is enormous power in putting things down on paper, and according to research you become 42% more likely to achieve your goals and dreams when it’s written. I always keep a physical (paper) planner even though I use the planner on my smartphone as well. If you’re in need of a planner, you can find one here.
4. MAKE YOUR GOALS S.M.A.R.T.E.R
So how exactly do you set intentions that you will actually stick to? Be SMART about it. You’ve heard me speak on setting smart goals here and here. But this year, I want us to be SMARTER.
Before you set a goal, first figure out your “why.” By figuring out and articulating the reason you want to achieve something you are more likely to remain motivated to stick to it.
S - Small and Specific: What do you want to do?
M - Measurable : How will you track your progress?
A - Attainable: How will you do it?
R - Relevant: Is this relevant to your life right now?
T - Timely: When do you want to do it?
E - Evaluate: How is it going?
R - Readjust: How can you make it better?
5. Build a system around ACHIEVing YOUR GOALS
This is where we sometimes lose focus. We may know what goal(s) we want to accomplish and at this point they are intentions, but the steps in how to accomplish them might get blurry, so we need to turn them into action.
6. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS, REFLECT AND RE-CALIBRATE
Resist the urge to freestyle your goals and actually check your progress as you go along. At the end each month, take time out to analyze what you have achieved, what you failed to achieve and how to improve on this. Journaling as you go along and circling back at the end of each month can really help you to stay on track.
7. ADJUST TO LIFE’S LEMONS
Life gets in the way and can derail you. Things such as illness, family commitments, work, life emergencies etc can impact your goals. Take note of these things and adjust as you proceed.
8. ASK FOR HELP
Lastly, get an accountability partner. Have a friend or loved one you can lean on for moral support and encouragement, you will need it from time to time. If you need specific help, reach out to those who can offer any guidance or assistance. The internet and social media is a great way to make connections.
Bonus: Be your own D**n Cheerleader and eliminate self doubt. Figure out what keeps you motivated and inspired. I love quotes! I keep them everywhere - my phone’s wallpaper, sticky notes around the house, on my desk at work, on the bathroom mirror, etc. I listen to music, books and podcasts that are uplifting. I tolerate no negativity and try to stay away from it at all costs.
Remember, a goal without a plan is just a wish. By breaking down your goals into bite-sized, manageable actions and writing them down, setting goals and intentions for the new year that you can actually stick to becomes a much easier process.
Grab your planner and let’s smash our 2022 goals! Remember, a sure way to make things happen is to write it down.
