GOAL SETTING FOR THE NEW YEAR
January 10, 2022
Kelly Gallagher
It’s the New Year. We want to accomplish new things, meet new goals. Many New Year’s resolutions fall to the wayside by February, though. Why is that? Often goals may be too general or too ambitious. Let’s review some tips about goal setting for the New Year and how to get there.
GOAL SETTING FOR THE NEW YEAR
1. WRITE IT DOWN
Write out your goals and put them someplace where you’ll see them as a reminder.
• Have a dietary goal? Post it on the fridge or pantry.
• Lifestyle goal? Post it on your bathroom mirror so you see it first thing in the morning and before bed at night.
2. MAKE GOALS SOMETHING YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH
Too often we set our sights too high. Set specific goals that you can accomplish.
• Instead of “I want to eat healthier,” set an intention of “I’ll snack on raw veggies in the evening.”
• Instead of “I’ll get a higher paying job,” set a goal of “I’ll update my resumé and look online for jobs that fit my skill set.”
3. SET GOALS THAT YOU CAN MEASURE
If you can measure an objective, it’s easier to track. Set small goals that you can track easily in the short term.
• Try “I’ll invite a friend out for coffee every other Saturday” instead of “I want to keep in touch with my friends more.”
• Try “I’ll clean the house for 15 minutes after dinner” instead of “I’ll clean the house more often.”
4. DO THINGS WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS.
It’s always easier to meet a goal if you enlist someone to help keep you accountable.
• Want to work out more often? Ask a friend to meet you for a fitness class three days a week.
• Looking to eat out less often? Do weekly meal prep with your significant other for a few hours each weekend.
5. REWARD YOURSELF!
Setting goals can be fun if you plan out some sort of reward for reaching your milestone. But make sure your reward doesn’t interfere with other goals, though. For example, if you want to get out of debt and set a fitness goal, don’t go on a European cruise if you finish a 5 K!
• Have a financial goal? Put $5 into savings each week when you pay down debt. Use the savings for something fun when the debt is cleared off.
• Reach your fitness goal? Plan a movie night with friends (or an epic recovery day in the NEW PFP Recovery Lounge…massage anyone?!)
AND WHEN YOU MISS A GOAL?
If you miss a goal, don’t beat yourself up! Just start again the following week and keep at it. Or readjust the goal to be more realistic or specific so you can accomplish it, then move on to the next goal. If you have a fitness or lifestyle goal, contact us at info@pittsburghfitnessproject.com to set up a free fitness assessment. We are happy to help you in 2022!