Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Writer Wednesday - Set New Goals for the New Year

Kelli's Quill 
By Kelli A. Wilkins 
Set New Goals for the New Year 
Greetings! 

It’s January, and almost everyone is talking about making changes and setting goals for the new year. And why not? We have brand-new calendars hanging on our walls filled with unexplored months yet to come. Every day brings hope, possibilities, and opportunities to make this year really great.

But do you find yourself gazing at your new calendar and wondering, “How is it 2023? Where did last year go? I had all those plans…”

If so, don’t stress out. Not everyone accomplishes every goal they set for themselves. It’s perfectly fine to take some time to look back at what you achieved last year—then start thinking about this year. So where do you begin?

First, take an hour or two to make a list of what you want to do in the next few weeks and months. Identifying your goals and setting reasonable action steps now will help you get on target for 2023. However, don’t try to take on too many things at once. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself. List your top 3 to 5 goals for the year. After you complete them, you can make a new list.

When you write down your goals, begin your sentences with a specific, positive statement, such as: “I will (goal) by (date).” Then decide how you’re going to do it. Keep in mind that a goal has a specific endpoint and a defined set of results. If you’ve reached your goal, you’ll know it.

For instance, if your goal is to paint the living room by February 1, you have a final end date (February 1) and you’ll be able to see your results (the room will be a new color). Now you can make a list of what you need to do to accomplish this, such as choose a paint color, buy paint rollers and other supplies, clear the room, and start painting. Having a plan/roadmap will help you chart your progress and stay on track.

It’s best to work on any goal in small steps, and don’t force yourself to do too much at once. Spend an hour (or two, tops) on one project a day, or even once a week, depending on your schedule. Don’t go overboard and expect instantaneous results, everything takes time.

When I want to get organized/clear out stuff (usually in the spring and fall) I go through the house room by room, wall by wall. I usually focus on one wall per day. For example, my guest room has a computer desk and dresser on one wall. I start by taking everything off the desk and begin sorting: I keep what I only need on the desk and make piles to file or recycle. Then I polish the desk and move on to the dresser. I clear off the top, go through the drawers, and keep what I truly need/want/love, and get rid of the rest. (And I always play music, it’s a great motivator!)

Many people find themselves repeating the same New Year’s resolutions each year. The most common resolutions (aka goals) usually involve losing weight, exercising more, and eating healthier. Then something happens to get you off track and you give up. If you find yourself in this cycle, you might want to rethink your strategy.

Sometimes it’s better to redefine long-term, open-ended goals as lifestyle changes or new habits. (After all, there’s no end-date for “eating healthier.”) For example, if you’ve declared, “This year I will exercise more!” That’s great, but what does “exercise more” mean to you? Running a marathon? Going to the gym every day? Those are good goals, but will you realistically meet them?

Decide what you really want, see what fits into your schedule, and make it part of your daily routine. Keep it simple, and do the best you can for that day. Tell yourself, “I will do 15 minutes of yoga in the morning” or “I will walk around the block after work tonight.” These are specific, daily goals that you can reach without too much pressure.

Of course, if you have to miss a day, all is not lost. Pick up where you left off, and keep going. After about two or three weeks of cultivating a new habit, it will become second-nature. You’ll see results and be motivated to continue.

If you find that you need a little push or extra motivation, call on a friend, coworker, or supportive relative to help you. Take a walk with a coworker on your lunch hour, or try out a yoga class with a friend. Having someone who understands you and wants to work on the same lifestyle changes/goals will keep you accountable.

You can also track your progress by writing down what you did to reach your goal. This could be maintaining a food diary, making a list of healthy eating choices, or noting the type/amount of exercise you did that day. After a few weeks, you can look back and see how small changes every day add up to make a difference.

January is also the perfect time to let go of things that no longer serve you, whether it be clutter, social media sites, bad habits, or worn-out relationships. Simplify as much as you can, and you will make room for new opportunities and new events in your life.

Everyone gets 24 hours each day, so choose how you use your time wisely.

Cheers to 2023! Let’s make the most of it!

© 2023 Kelli A. Wilkins All Rights Reserved
Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20+ romance novels, 7 non-fiction books, and 5 horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror stories. Visit her website/blog for a full title list and social media links. www.KelliWilkins.com

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