Setting Goals in the New Year

Happy New Year!

You do not have to wait for the New Year to set a goal. However, the first day of the year is an added motivational factor to many:

A new day, a new beginning, a new page in the chapter of your life.

What are Goals?

Goals are like magnets that attract us to a higher ground and new horizons. They give our eyes a focus, our mind an aim, and our strength, a purpose. Without their pull, we would remain forever stationary, incapable of moving forward.. A goal is a possibility that fulfills a dream. (Kennedy, S. Winning in Life. Bloomington, MN: Garborg’s, 1998.)

Do Goals Work?

There is no magical trick in making goal setting to work. Studies show that goals can guide someone to do something. Goals help influence one's attitude and motivation to complete a task.

The following are a list of Goal Setting Principles (Source: NASM Effective Goal Setting)

Set specific and measurable goals
Set realistic but challenging goals
Set both short and long term goals
Focus on performance and process goals
Develop goal commitment
Develop goal achievement strategies
Get goal feedback and evaluation
Set timelines to achieve goals

What happens when you don't meet your set goals?

Here are some quotes to remind you that it is OK to make adjustments:

“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” – Dolly Parton.

“Be willing to change because life won’t stay the same.” Anonymous

“Adaptability is not imitation. It means power of resistance and assimilation.” Mahatma Gandhi

“Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Always do what you are afraid to do.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in one’s own sunshine.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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