Goal Planning: How to Set Goals

how to set goals

Spoiler Alert: Accountability is Key

It’s 2018… where did 2017 even go? With each year, I find the time passes so quickly. I’m only 30, so I really hope this trend doesn’t continue at its current rate! As the title would imply, this post is about goals.

Given up on your goals already?

Let’s Talk About Goals… Real Big Ones! DIY Active Notebook Raise Your Hand Raise Your Hand

So — raise your hand if you feel personally victimized by your 2018 goals already?

It’s okay! You’ve got this and it honestly happens to all of us. You set goals with the best of intentions, but don’t always do the extra work upfront to give you the best chance of success.

Great news, this is an easy fix! Here are three simple ways you can get back on track and crush your 2018 goals. Here is another great DIY article about goals for further reading as well.

1. Write ‘Em Down

If you haven’t already done this, then grab that cute, sparkly notebook you bought at the Target Dollar Spot (where upsettingly everything is no longer just $1) and jot down at least three things you’d love to accomplish this year.

Think health (physical, mental, spiritual), organization, financial, home improvement, professional development, interpersonal relationships… etc.

If you simply cannot think of anything you could improve on, that’s cute… ask some trusted friends and see what they say. You’re missing out on the journey of self-improvement if you cannot see yourself for all the good and bad. Trust me, there is plenty of both!

2. Make a Plan

This is pretty simple. How will you accomplish your goals this year and how will you know if you are successful? For example, in 2017, I set a goal to lose 20 pounds.

The perfect goal, but I had no plan other than “eat healthier.” How much more vague could that be? I wasn’t set up for success from the get-go. And it is no wonder why I gained 7 pounds last year (sadly).

This year, I’ve got the same goal — but with measurable metrics:

1) Attend 5 fitness classes per week, no excuses (I really recommend Zumba if you’re just getting started in the fitness world — you can read more about dance fitness right here on DIY).

2) Meal prep 4 weeks per month. This allows me precious few unprepped meal moments, but, for the most part, I’ll be prepping meals for 6 days each week. This helps me make better choices, and save money and time… a sweet trifecta.

3) Post my progress on my Facebook page for friends to see. This way they can cheer on my progress and provide encouragement and tips to help me succeed.

Plus, according to sciencemag.org, sharing your goals makes you much more likely to reach them — so why not? Because… science.

3. Choose Some Accountability Partners

Accountability really is key. For instance, I had a very stressful day at work on Thursday. All I wanted to do was ditch my Barre class for margs and chips.

Luckily, I’m surrounded by good friends who aren’t above calling me out and keeping me accountable. I went and rocked that class and met my five-class goal for week one of 2018!

Let’s Talk About Goals… Real Big Ones! DIY Active

Remember how I said I am posting my progress this year on Facebook? Those ‘cheerleaders’ or silent result watchers are not the same people who will keep me accountable.

Sure, there may be some overlap, but choose people you trust and won’t be afraid to tell you what’s up when you want to eat something bad or skip out on your fitness routine.

Wrap-Up

We here at DIY Active want to help you succeed this year. What are some of your goals?

What are some topics you’d like to read about or fitness products you’d love us to review or launch in 2018?

We appreciate your readership and look forward to helping you crush those 2018 goals, whatever they are!

Kristin is a licensed Zumba® Instructor, professional margarita drinker and some days is only in the workout scene for an excuse to buy and wear the cute, comfy workout clothes. Life is all about balance… just like your favorite social media memes Kristin is cardio one day and carbs the next but currently trying to balance those out a bit better, cheers to progress!
Kristin Hu
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