Learning how to properly plan is the key to staying on track and keeping yourself focused on the goals you want to achieve.
Outlined below, is a goal-setting strategy that will help you become more clear with your upcoming new year’s goals. In years past, I would make broad goals like “saving x amount of money, getting lean shredded abs, and or growing a social media following”. While all these goals are achievable, there is no action or plan to break them down into digestible stepping stones. So I want to share what I’m doing this year to finally go after my dreams in 2023.
Step 1
Creating your Vision
I’m starting my goal-setting process for the new year by taking the time to reflect on the year and where I’m currently at. What did I like about the year, what did I accomplish/ what am I proud of? By starting with the positive, I’m entering the goal-setting process with a positive mindset. I’ve struggled a lot with self-confidence so I want to start giving myself the permission to be proud of myself and what I’m capable of. Reflection on the past can help you ideate for the future. From there, start thinking of your big audacious goals for the new year. Implementing visualization practice will help you become clear on what it is you want to achieve.
Doing the visualization step helps me get really clear on what I want. I started doing this in the middle of this year, and it has been a game changer.
Step 2
Optimize your Mindset
Before I can start tackling my goals, I need to address the biggest elephant in the room, my mindset. Like many, I have a horrible habit of beating myself up.
I’m not good enough.
People will think I’m stupid.
I have nothing to offer.
The first step to cultivating a goal or dream is through positive self-talk. People can tell you that you’re amazing but at the end of the day, it comes down to how you feel and talk about yourself. Over the past year, I have started to become more aware of how badly I’ve been talking to myself. Not only is it not helpful, but it can also hinder your ability to achieve something new. So rather than me using negative language like “I can’t” or “I’m not”, I’m flipping the coin and framing whatever it may be into a positive.
I am skilled enough.
I am smart enough.
I have a lot to offer.
While you may not believe it in the moment, switching to positive self-talk will subconsciously rewire the brain. So really focusing on cultivating a positive mindset is really going to be a game-changer for your self-confidence. One simple actionable step you can take is:
Whenever I engage in negative self-talk I will:
- Take three deep breaths.
- Place my hands over my heart.
- Then repeat out loud “I am enough.”
I have started doing this recently, and I have really noticed a difference in the way I view myself. All of this might sound “woo woo” but it really does affect positive change within the way you view and talk to yourself.
Step 3
Mapping out goals with actions
This step is the meat of your goal-setting for this year. Now that you’ve visualized your goals, it’s time to strategize them. Using pen and paper, write out clear steps for achieving said goals following the SMART method.
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Bound
Let’s take the goal of getting in shape. That is an amazing goal, but there are no actionable steps or measurable metrics to get you to the finish line. The goal “to get in shape”, needs to be expounded on. Think about how “being in shape” will satisfy your goal. Ask yourself why. Is it to run a marathon? Have visible muscle? Complete 10 pull-ups in a row? This is why creating your vision is so important. It helps you figure out exactly what it is you want.
Come up with four or five actionable steps that are in line with your goal.
Let’s say it’s to run a marathon. Break it down into action points:
- I will find and follow a marathon training guide with pre-scheduled runs.
- I will foam roll every Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday.
- I will educate myself on proper running form by listening to running-related podcasts.
- I will practice visualization for three minutes daily to step into race day and cross the finish line.
Get clear with your goal and then break it down into bite-sized pieces.
While you are actively setting clear actionable steps, give yourself grace and go with the flow. Once these steps have become second nature, set a new set of goals and work towards them.
Step 4
Maintaining momentum to achieving YOUR goals
With all those steps in place, you may have fallen into the trap of creating goals but losing sight of them. Here are three simple daily habits that you can implement to stay on track.
Journaling
This past year I have really fallen in love with journaling. It has helped me in a multitude of ways like reflecting on what I’ve accomplished for the day, reminders of my why, becoming clear of what I need to focus on, staying grounded and grateful, as well as mentally checking in with myself.
Meditating
This is a new one for me but taking the time to sit with myself. This has allowed me to practice positive self-talk, remember what I’m grateful for, and become present at the moment. Becoming more present in 2023 is a huge goal of mine and meditation is a wonderful tool to help me focus on today. Focusing on the fun of the journey, not on the destination.
Educating
The old saying “knowledge is power” really rings true for me. Not only is it great for your mental health but helps boost my self-confidence. This can be done through reading, watching educational videos, or listening to Podcasts. Additionally, it helps me stay inspired as well.
I will be reading one book a month based on a topic I want to learn more about. I’m using this as a way to stay accountable, as well as share what I’ve been into lately. This month, I’ll be reading the book “Yoga For Runners”. Since I’m running a marathon in February 2023, I felt it was appropriate.
That is how I planned out my goals for the new year, as well as the actionable steps I’m taking to keep my goals top of mind. Taking the time to sit with myself helped me to have a clear understanding of what I want which helped me map out a plan for 2023. For my 2023 YouTube year, I plan on posting some fitness-related content, fun travel videos, and of course more healthy recipes. As Jane Austen said, “It isn’t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.” And with that my friends, I will see you in my next video. Bye!
