As we ring in the new year, social media feeds are filled with headlines shouting that it’s time to set your resolutions for 2024. However, we are choosing to go against the status quo and encourage you to ditch your resolutions this January. Rather than making resolutions, we think it’s more proactive and encouraging to set goals instead. So, today let’s talk about some tips to set and achieve realistic goals.
“Studies show that only 8% of Americans who make a New Year’s resolution actually keep them all year and 80% have failed by the start of February.”
Times Tribune
Be practical
When setting goals, it’s easy to write down a long list of everything you wish to achieve. And we certainly don’t want to stop you from dreaming big; however, we do want you to be successful in your aspirations. Therefore, don’t overload yourself with too many goals at once. Pick two or three items to focus your time and energy on. If you achieve those, you can always set another few for yourself later in the year.
Break it down
Break down larger goals into more bite-sized ones for more immediate success, maintaining motivation and momentum. By achieving smaller goals, you gain a sense of accomplishment, which helps diminish feelings of inadequacy and failure. In a previous blog post we discussed process-orientated goals, which are goals that are more about the journey than the destination. Whereas outcome-oriented goals focus on the result, process-orientated goals prioritize the steps that will lead to success. Consider setting these milestone markers in 2024!
Be SMART about it
For many neurodiverse individuals, having a strong framework for reference is incredibly helpful. So, when you are setting your goals, follow the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) guidelines, which will assist you along the way. The SMART method is an effective tool as it helps provide clarity, focus and motivation and allows you to define your objectives with a clear completion date.
Use visuals
There are many different options to help you visualize your goals. Consider using a chart, calendar, or diagram to make your goals and to track your progress along the way. It can be incredibly helpful to see the steps you have taken and clearly visualize what you have accomplished, even if you haven’t completed it entirely. This can also assist in motivation, and limit frustration.
Be kind to yourself
Achievements, as wonderful as they can be, don’t define you or your worth. Therefore, while it is great to have things you wish to achieve this year, recognize that the journey might look differently than you originally planned or hoped. Be open to adapting as you move forward and recognize that you might have to take a bit of a detour, depending on your personal circumstances.
We wish everyone a successful and joyful year ahead…whether you accomplish all your goals or not!
