If you’re like me you may be feeling burnt out on goal setting around this time of year. It seems to be all anyone is talking about! But guess what? That’s completely ok and it’s important to acknowledge those feelings and approach the process in a way that feels more manageable and sustainable. Here are some pieces of advice from someone who also struggles at times:
- Reflect on Past Goals:
- Consider your past experiences with goal setting. What worked well, and what didn’t? Reflecting on your previous goals and the goal setting process can provide insights into what might be causing burnout and how you can adjust your approach.
- Reevaluate Your Priorities:
- Take a step back and reassess your priorities. Are the goals you’ve set aligned with your true values and desires, or are they influenced by external expectations? Adjust your goals to align with what truly matters to you.
- Set Realistic and Attainable Goals:
- Break down your larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. Setting realistic and achievable goals can help prevent overwhelm and make the process less daunting.
- Focus on a Few Key Goals:
- Instead of setting numerous goals in various areas of your life, consider focusing on a few key priorities. This can help you concentrate your efforts and energy.
- Embrace Flexibility:
- Understand that life is dynamic, and circumstances can change. Be flexible and open to adjusting your goals as needed. It doesn’t have to be an all or nothing approach and just because you don’t hit a goal doesn’t mean that progress wasn’t made.
- Practice Self-Compassion:
- Be kind to yourself and recognize that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Avoid putting too much pressure on yourself, and remember that personal growth is a continuous journey.
- Explore Different Goal-Setting Approaches:
- Experiment with alternative methods of goal setting. You might find approaches such as theme setting, habit tracking, or vision boarding more appealing and less overwhelming than traditional goal lists.
- Celebrate Progress, Not Just Achievements:
- Acknowledge and celebrate the progress you make along the way, no matter how small. Recognizing your efforts and achievements can boost your motivation and keep you engaged in the process.
- Incorporate Fun and Creativity:
- Make the goal-setting process enjoyable by incorporating creativity and fun. Did you know you can buy sparkly stickers on Amazon?? That’s right, they are not just for teachers 😉.
- Seek Support:
- Share your goals with friends, family, or a mentor who can provide support and encouragement. Having a support system can make the journey more enjoyable and less isolating.
- Take Breaks and Practice Self-Care:
- Give yourself permission to take breaks and prioritize self-care. Taking care of your well-being is essential for maintaining the energy and motivation needed to pursue your goals.
Remember, the new year is just a marker in time, and you can set goals at any point that align with your personal growth and aspirations. Your goals should be moving you toward something that you really really want in life and you can do it whenever you are ready.