As the New Year rolls in, it brings with it a wave of resolutions and goals. However, despite good intentions, many of these goals often fall by the wayside as the year progresses. Understanding why New Year’s goals fail and how to effectively avoid these pitfalls is crucial for anyone looking to make lasting changes.
I revamped my process of goal setting for the year, and wanted to share this process. I’ll share the common reasons behind the failure of New Year’s resolutions and provide actionable tips to ensure your goals are not just set but achieved. From shifting focus to process-based goals to setting realistic timelines and keeping your motivation alive, I’ll share a comprehensive approach to achieving your New Year’s aspirations.
Outcome-Based vs. Process-Based Goals
One of the primary reasons New Year’s goals fail is that they are often outcome-based rather than process-based. Outcome-based goals focus on the end result, like “lose 30 pounds” or “get a promotion.” While these goals offer a clear target, they don’t specify the “how” part of the equation – the daily or weekly actions required to achieve these outcomes.
In contrast, process-based goals focus on the journey and the habits needed to reach the desired outcome. For example, instead of “lose 30 pounds,” a process-based goal would be “exercise for 30 minutes every day” or “track calories to hit 1,500 per day.” These goals are actionable and emphasize the process, making them more enjoyable and manageable.
Shifting your focus to process-based goals has several benefits
- It breaks down the overwhelming task of achieving a big outcome into smaller, actionable steps.
- It allows you to enjoy the journey, as you’re not just fixated on the end result.
- It provides a clearer roadmap to follow, making it easier to track progress.
- You become a different person with new habits as a result of the process, instead of earning an achievement and losing motivation because you are burnt out.
Safe versus Stretch Goals
Another common issue with New Year’s resolutions is setting goals that are too ambitious and timelines that are too short. While it’s important to have stretch goals that push you out of your comfort zone, these need to be balanced with realism.
To avoid this pitfall:
- Break your overall goal into smaller, short-term mini-goals. These should be achievable and serve as stepping stones towards your larger goal.
An example:
Mini goal: I have a goal to make 3 sales calls each day this week.
The larger goal: Reaching $500 in sales for the week. - Set realistic timelines for each mini-goal. Consider your current commitments and lifestyle to ensure these timelines are feasible.
A new mom might not have time to get to the gym for an hour a day, but she might be able to do a 30-minute home-based workout. - Celebrate each mini-goal achieved. This not only boosts your morale but also keeps you motivated to pursue the next one.
Overcoming Hard Times
Goals, especially those that require significant lifestyle changes, can be challenging. When faced with difficulties, it’s easy to feel discouraged and quit. To overcome this:
- Keep reminders of why your goal is important. Whether it’s a vision board, a journal entry, or a motivational quote, having a visual or written reminder can help reignite your motivation during tough times.
- Plan for obstacles. Anticipate potential challenges and have a plan to address them. This proactive approach can make you feel more prepared and less likely to give up.
- Seek support. Share your goals with friends, family, or a support group. They can offer encouragement and accountability, helping you stay on track.
Envisioning Your Future Self
Having a clear vision of the future and how the process of change can help you reach there is vital. Visualize how achieving your goals will impact your life. This vision can be a powerful motivator, especially when progress seems slow.
To create this vision:
- Spend time reflecting on what achieving your goal will mean for you. How will it impact your life, health, career, or relationships?
- Create a vision board or write a detailed description of your future self.
- Regularly revisit this vision, especially when you need a motivational boost.
New Year’s goals often fail, but by understanding and addressing the reasons behind this, you can set yourself up for success. Shift your focus to process-based goals, set realistic mini-goals with feasible timelines, prepare for the hard times, and keep a clear vision of your future self. Remember, the key to achieving your resolutions is not just in setting them but in the approach you take to realize them. With these strategies in hand, you’re well-equipped to turn your New Year’s goals from mere resolutions into tangible, life-changing results.
