New year, new goals

A goal without a plan is a dream.

Looking back at my 2018 goals, I was maybe shooting a little high. But you have to try, right? At least I even had goals I wanted to reach.

This year, I’m making sure my goals are a little more reasonable. (Anyone remember SMART goals? Specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-based– you’re welcome). It may seem silly, but writing goals with that criteria makes them already feel WAY more achievable.

More importantly, I’m going to make a plan for each of my goals. Often times we’ll write down a to-do, and have no idea how to even start the task. It’s the same with goals; it’s great to have goals, but without a plan, what are you doing to reach them?So under every one of my new goals for 2019, I have one or two things that I can do today that will help me reach my goal by the end of the year.

For example: I was in absolute and utter shock & disappointment when I realized I hadn’t really read one new book cover to cover last year!! Granted, I did read more magazines, but I felt like I didn’t have the time to really sink my teeth into a new book I hadn’t read before. Or didn’t I? The thing is, I didn’t make time for reading. This year, I’m knocking out two birds with one stone: by making time to read, in my case 20 minutes before bed, I’ll be able to get through more of my “to-read” list AND I’ll be spending more time away from my phone before going to sleep. Win-win.

Another great example, and a usual New Years goal (and the first one on my list too) is eating healthier. It’s so vague. Instead, this year’s goal reads: Eating healthier by eating more greens & veggies, eating less carbs (by sticking to a normal serving of healthy/natural carbs), and drinking 2 liters of water a day. It’s about forming new habits, too. It takes about 30 days to form a habit. So for me, drinking more water means I’m trying to bring my water bottle everywhere I go, having water in my car at all times, and drinking a full glass when I get up in the morning.

Whether it’s a lifestyle change or simply reading 20 books in a year, if you’ve got a plan, you’re already one step closer to reaching your goals.