Back to Basics: Goal Setting
January 1 signifies new beginnings and for many people around the world it’s a chance at starting fresh, reaching to obtain goals and pursuing growth in the upcoming year. According to Forbes, some estimates say more than 40% of Americans make New Year's resolutions. Of this 40%, research suggests that a small 8% of people actually achieve their New Year's goals (1).
There are many reasons that we can’t or don’t stick to resolutions.
1. Some goals are simply unattainable because of time constraints.
2. Absence of a strong support system to encourage us on the road to success.
3. Motivation can run out because it’s based on feelings which are constantly changing.
When it comes to creating a reasonable goal and ensuring follow through, it’s all about building healthy habits.
A goal works with an “end product” in mind; it is achievable. While it’s great to spend brainpower creating a resolution for nutrition, fitness, family, faith, etc. - working toward a goal without considering the habits that need to change will leave it open ended.
Goals need a plan of action.
Developing a plan that is concrete, sustainable and maintainable in the long run helps ensure healthy habits. Ultimately what matters most is creating small, incremental steps to achieving what’s most important. Compiling a set of steps to help meet a goal saves on time, provides focus and allows opportunities to check progress toward the long-term goal.
Self-determination is key.
One author defines discipline as “the habit of acting in the moment based on a decision you made in advance, regardless of feelings” (2). Discipline keeps us going, even when we’ve ventured off the path. It connects the gap between dreams and reality. If self-discipline seems to be a struggle, find a phone app to alert you with daily reminders that encourage healthy habits. Maybe sharing a goal and plan for building habits with a trusted friend or journaling a plan for action will have a positive effect as well.
Whether you regularly set New Year’s Resolutions or you don’t, this year take time to set a wellness goal. Resolve to change your eating habits, keep a food diary, exercise more or follow a journal to help with accountability; all of which will affect your overall health.
Consider…
This year I choose to:
1. Become more active
2. Run in a race
3. Eat more whole foods
4. Learn a new skill
5. Spend more time with family
6. Take time for self-care
7. Drink more water
Goals serve a purpose and within the right environment they can be achieved. Set your mind today and start taking reasonable steps toward creating habits of health.
What’s Next?
For guidance on goal setting, journals and self-care downloads visit our Aspen Wellness Resources!
References:
Diamond, D. (2013, January 02). Just 8% of People Achieve Their New Year's Resolutions.
Here's How They Do It. Retrieved December 06, 2017, from
https://www.forbes.com/sites/dandiamond/2013/01/01/just-8-of-people-achieve-their-new-
years-resolutions-heres-how-they-did-it/#b75269c596b2Hurst, C. E. (2017). She's Still There. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.