Why and how to make goals (instead of resolutions) for the New Year
The New Year is here, but if you’re thinking of making some New Year resolutions, stop! According to research, only eight per cent of people achieve them. Instead of pie-in-the-sky resolutions, consider setting some goals.
For people diagnosed with gynaecological cancer, it might be hard to think about what you’d like to achieve one or five years down the track. People may be encouraging you instead to live each day. But without setting some big-picture goals, we can quickly feel discouraged in our day-to-day lives. To launch into the New Year in a positive way, here are some tips to goal-setting success.
Make your goals:
- Yours – many people fail because they set goals that are not their own. Set simple goals that really motivate you personally.
- SMART – that’s specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound. Keep in mind that if you make them too easy, you won’t really be satisfied with the result.
- Visible – write them down, put them somewhere you can see them and tell others about them. All of these actions help keep you on track.
- Chunky – break your goals into chunks or steps, so that it doesn’t seem daunting to work towards them and chart your progress.
- Fun – be creative with your goals, dream big and reward yourself when you succeed.
If you feel the next year will be a challenge, then consider this: you have as much willpower as you think you have. Nelson Mandela used to say visualisation helped him stay positive during his many years in prison. “I thought continually of the day when I would walk free. I fantasised about what I would like to do.” What keeps you moving towards your goals?
Whatever goals you set for the New Year, we hope that 2017 sparkles for you and your family.
What are your goals for 2017? Share our blog on social media below and start a conversation with family and friends about your 2017 goals!
