How many times have you started out with this grand plan and by March or April you have totally forgotten or given up? Or have known others that start off strong and just fizzle out. When goals are accomplished even being the smallest there’s something positive that happens and we feel great. Like when we wake up and say I am going to clean out the garage today or I am going to clean out my drawers today. When we get to the end of our day and it’s done – we feel amazing and good about ourselves. Along with getting us into that cycle of being productive this results in joy. Now for some cleaning out drawers and garages may not be your bag but maybe its writing that book, doing that research, starting that class you have been thinking about for so many years. Whatever it is it will give you the joy that you need of completion and accomplishment.

1. Break your list into categories. Example- Family, Work, Personal. When you separate significant areas in your life you can focus without getting overwhelmed from the beginning.
2. Limit the goals to five or less per category and give a deadline. Example- Lose 15lbs, January –weight down 3lbs, February down 7lbs. If you are not reaching your goal stop and reassess it to see why that is happening. Sometimes adding in another little goal to help the original goal along is perfectly ok. Remember the end result is to have a completed goal and succeed in accomplishing what you want to do.
3. Add more small goals that complement the established ones. Once you fulfill the first goals take time to celebrate your accomplishments. Something positive happens when you complete a goal, you feel a great sense of joy. Move immediately into adding a goal that moves you in the same direction. Example - add walk 3 days a week.
4. Set a realistic goal. Being realistic is always better; the old analogy of setting your goals way beyond your limits is just not obtainable or reasonable for most. Why stress yourself out when the goal is too broad to actually accomplish it. This way you will stay within what is reasonable to continue to set more aggressive goals to reach throughout the years to come.
5. Revisit your list on a regular basis and get an accountability partner. Important to note that while setting your goals is the number one priority – it’s the keeping up on them and constantly looking back at the list that is going to get you to completion. These are milestones and need to be addressed or you will never be effective in completing any goals. Make yourself accountable to your family, friends or co-workers so they can also be a motivating factor. Put your goals in your smart phone as an alarm; add them to day timers, set up a little contest with others so that these will also work as motivating factors to keep you on target. Have a list visible so you can always see where you are at. Set your goals far enough apart throughout the year that they don’t overlap and you are not overwhelmed.
6. Check in regularly with your accountability partner. When you feel as if you are losing steam and know your pattern of giving up might be setting in, consult your accountability partner to get you motivated again. Don’t give up – just reassess, get motivated and move forward. You will be much happier if you don’t give up and accomplish at least one goal than none.