We are well into 2023. Did you make some New Year Resolutions, set some goals or maybe finally decided it was time to change some things in your life. So how’s it going for you? Did you do it? Are you sticking to it? Maybe you had the best of intentions and then life got busy and those goals and resolutions have fallen by the wayside.
I’ve been there – I know how it feels to fall short of your resolutions and goals. I’ve also had a lot of success with them, so in this post I want to share a few tips on how to cope when your goals have lost their spark.
Why are goals important?
Goals and resolutions are important because they provide direction and purpose in our lives. They give us something to strive for and help us measure our progress and accomplishments. Without clear goals, we can easily become unmotivated and feel like we’re wandering aimlessly. Setting achievable goals and resolutions also helps us build self-confidence and self-esteem as we work towards achieving them. They provide a roadmap for our personal growth and development, and allow us to create a more fulfilling and satisfying life. Ultimately, goals and resolutions help us to live intentionally and make the most of our time and energy.
How to Cope When Goals Lose Momentum
The SMART Model
The first approach to getting back on track with your goals is using the SMART model. The SMART model is a widely used framework for setting effective and achievable goals. This model emphasizes the importance of setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Let’s break this down even more…
Specific: Narrow down on your goals. The goal should be clear and concise, outlining exactly what you want to achieve.
Measurable: The goal should include specific metrics or criteria that can be used to track progress and determine success.
Attainable: The goal should be realistic and attainable based on your current skills, resources, and circumstances. Setting a goal that is too difficult or unrealistic can lead to frustration and disappointment.
Relevant: The goal should be relevant to your personal or professional life and aligned with your values and priorities. A relevant goal is one that will have a meaningful impact on your life and help you move closer to where you want to be.
Time-bound: The goal should have a specific timeline for completion, with a clear deadline or target
date. A time-bound goal creates a sense of urgency and helps to prioritize your efforts and stay focused on achieving the goal.
What Goals do You Want to Accomplish?
To achieve your goals, it’s important to take an honest look at them and renew your approach if necessary. For instance, if your goal is to lose 10 pounds, but you haven’t yet developed a plan, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the obstacles that may arise. Age-related metabolism slowdown, muscle loss, work, family, and lifestyle habits, and even chronic health issues can all make it challenging to achieve your desired outcome. However, by changing the way you think about your goal, you can make progress.
Instead of focusing solely on the outcome, try adopting the mindset of an athlete who works out twice a week. By thinking of yourself as an athlete, you can cultivate the behavior that will ultimately lead to your desired outcome. This shift in mindset can help you stay motivated and determined, even in the face of obstacles.
Stop Avoiding Things
When it comes to setting goals and resolutions, it’s easy to fall into the trap of focusing on what we can’t have. We might tell ourselves that we can’t have chips, ice cream, fruit, or bread. However, this approach can lead to feelings of deprivation and the possibility of binging. Instead, try adding something healthy into your day. Consider eating an apple, adding extra veggies to your meals, or making a salad. By shifting the focus from avoidance to inclusion, you can create a sustainable formula for making lifestyle changes that stick in the long haul.
It’s Not Too Late To Start Again
In conclusion, it’s common to lose motivation and struggle with resolutions and goals, but it’s important to remember why they are important in the first place. Goals provide direction and purpose in our lives, and they help us measure progress and accomplishments. Using the SMART model can help set effective and achievable goals, and taking an honest look at goals can help renew our approach. Shifting our mindset from focusing on the outcome to cultivating behaviors can lead to success, and it’s important to avoid the trap of deprivation and instead focus on inclusion. Remember, it’s never too late to get back on track with your goals and make progress towards a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
