Cup of Inspiration

We are in the first week of the new year. Many people have already written out their New Year’s Resolutions. Some may have already broken one or two of them this early in the year.

A new year is a wonderful time to reset. Taking a look at where you are and setting goals for where you want to be a year from now is a good thing. However, it is important to not let this be an exercise which will leave you feeling deflated a month from now.

It can feel good to have a written list of goals and reflect on those goals throughout the year as they are achieved. Checking off that something is done can be a lift to your self-esteem. However, not meeting those goals can drag you down, leaving you feeling like a failure.

Before we get too far into the new year, if you do have that list of goals for the year, take another look at that list. Consider breaking those goals down into monthly or quarterly goals. Smaller goals are more achievable. Set on your calendar now when you will check on your progress.

For example, if you have a goal of getting out of debt this year, set a goal to pay off one credit card by March or April. Create a separate goal of paying off another credit card by the end of summer. Set another goal of limiting entertainment expenses, and perhaps another goal of using more coupons. Make each separate goals that can be achieved in small chunks.

 Schedule check-ins for the next few weeks to review your progress for the goals in the current time frame. Focus more on the goals with the earlier deadlines you set for yourself. As you achieve each small goal that will give you the boost you need to focus on that next goal. As one is achieved, you’ll feel more accomplished and ready to tackle that next goal. By the end of the year, you can celebrate meeting several goals, not just that one broad goal of getting out of debt.

This system applies to any overall goal. Losing weight, exercising more, completing educational programs, working toward a promotion, etc. all can be daunting unless it is broken down.

By breaking your goals into smaller bites, you can celebrate throughout the year. When something happens that causes a setback on achieving a goal, you also won’t feel as defeated. You can always adjust to achieve a smaller goal.

You may choose to focus more on overall themes, rather than goals for the new year. Whatever works for you, great! This is an opportunity to reflect on the past, and work toward improvement. Find a system that works for you and stay with that. The idea is to feel accomplished by the end of the year.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!