Goodbye New Year’s resolutions, hello setting realistic goals for the new year. Aren’t you so thankful that unrealistic, outlandish resolutions are becoming a thing of the past? Instead of setting one big, possibly unattainable resolution for the year, let’s consister setting multiple, realistic goals for the 2023 new year.
Y’all know I am obsessed with vision boards and using planners. I’ve mentioned these in previous goal setting blog posts. Check out my 2021 goals and more tips Vision boards can be made so easily on Canva now, and saved as your phone background for constant reminders throughout the year.
Grab a Planner for the New Year
My favorite planners are Blue Sky, but now a days there are so many other good brands as well. This pink poppy planner is only 5×8, and fits in a purse. I love the purple watercolor design on this larger planner. This is a Blue Sky planner, and sold out in my local store, but has the most amazing dark wildlife print. For people who like simple planners, or men who don’t want an elaborate design, this black planner is less than $10 online.
Realistic Goal Setting Tips
Be SMART with a few goals.
Often times I encourage people to set SMART goals. That means to set goals that like “read 50 books”. That is a specific goal that can be measured, and it attainable. It is also relevant as someone who enjoys reading, and it’s trackable.
In the past, all my goals have been SMART. I wanted to run 10 races, visit 6 cities, write 40 blog posts. But not any more. Sometimes you need to think outside the SMART box. And while it is still a good idea to set a few smart goals, there are other goals that need your attention as well.
Pick something you did last year and do it again.
If something made you happy, there’s no reason to shrug it off as a one time event last year. This could be attending a concert, visiting a specific place, or participating in something. Take time now to set the intention that you will do it again. Mark it off in your calendar or get on the notification list for registration, whatever it takes.
Do something you wanted to do last year but didnt get around to doing.
On the same note as doing something again, think back to last year and write down anything that you missed out on. I really wanted to bring Sassy on the Polar Express train ride, and visit a drive thru zoo. We didn’t last year, but we will this year.
Set goals across multiple areas of your life.
Make sure that you’re dividing your goals between different categories. If you set multiple fitness based goals, a single injury could disrupt many of them. Instead, choose a few fitness goals, some financial goals, some career goals, etc. That way you are still able to finish the year strong even if there’s a wrench in your year.
Choose goals to can achieve alone, with your partner, and with your family.
Setting goals for you alone may give you the most satisfaction, but goals with your partner will bring you accountability. Choose goals that aren’t just going to impact yourself, but where the work and finish line pleasure can be shared with the people who are closest to you.
Did you set goals for the 2023 new year? Let me know what you picked!
