Crisscross Creative

5 easy steps to accomplish your goals this year

New year, new you.. right? We all tend to set new goals at the beginning of each year, whether that be good habits, new routines, learning new skills, etc. – but how many of us actually stick to those goals and achieve them?

It can be tough to take on multiple New Year’s resolutions in January, so this short post is a mental progress check for you to see where you are at now that it’s February, and lead you on the path to success in 5 easy steps.

1. Be realistic

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve set out to “run a marathon” at the beginning of a year when I can barely run a mile. It is still one of my lifelong goals and is eventually achievable if I put my mind to it, but I recommend starting smaller and expanding on the ultimate goal as you go.

Try choosing “run a 5k” or “run a half marathon” as your goal to start out and work your way up. This allows you to achieve the more realistic goal first and not feel defeated or overwhelmed at the beginning.

2. Write down your goals & deadlines

Now that you’ve decided on what your goals are, get out a pen and paper and write them down – multiple times throughout the week! If you use a daily planner, try starting out your day with a check list and be sure that your goals (or time for practicing them) are on there and ticked off by the end of the day.

If you have long term goals for the year, try breaking down smaller goals by month to achieve the final goal at the end of the year. Keeping track of both daily and monthly goals in a planner is a great tactic to constantly keep them at the front of your mind.

3. Develop your skills & practice

It is likely that new goals come with needing new skills. If so, determine what those skills are practice them as much as you can. If you did choose an exercise goal, find an online training program and follow it closely. If your goal is to cook more, buy recipe books from chefs you like or watch videos online. Spend time each day bettering yourself in your specific area that needs improvement.

4. Take the first step to success

Avoid procrastination at all costs. You’ve just got to commit to starting. Once you’ve taken the first step and the second, it becomes easier. Don’t think about the mountain you have to climb, just the short distance in front of you. The days you don’t have the motivation to practice, find the right mindset and remind yourself of your goals. Ask yourself, why was it important for you to have these goals in the first place? Having a daily routine with time set aside each day for (practicing) your goals can help you achieve them tremendously.

5. Reward yourself, you deserve it!

Don’t forget to reward yourself for achieving the small things, and especially the big ones! It’s important to remember to hold yourself accountable to accomplish the things you want in life, but also to not be too hard on yourself if you don’t hit your intended deadline.

Keep your head up, work hard, and follow these 5 easy steps to success!

---