“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Loa Tzu
With every new year comes a slew of New Year’s resolutions. Whether committing to a rigorous fitness routine, experimenting with the trendiest diet plan, or attempting to complete that overdue project, the new year can undoubtedly revitalize your to-do list.
But there seems to be one commonality that follows many resolutions: incompletion.
Recently, I read an article in Time that backed up this thought. The article stated, “by some estimates, as many as 80% of people fail to keep their New Year’s resolutions by February. Only 8% of people stick with them the entire year.”
While various potential factors can hinder one’s ability to complete a New Year’s resolution, I find that lack of clear intention is one significant pain point. What do I mean by this? Simply put, we sometimes set goals because we feel we must—not because we desire them for ourselves. Whether it be societal norms or influence, setting and pursuing goals should come from an innate desire influenced solely by self.
Instead of focusing on just the new year, I focus on the big picture. Why? Because I believe goals are best achieved when we focus on progress—not time. We can often get stuck in a rut if our goals aren’t entirely met during the timeline we establish, and this temporary discouragement can sometimes have lasting effects.
So, with this newfound (or perhaps well-known) information, how do we stay true to completing our goals?
Here are some ways I like to set and achieve goals.
Set Goals That Excite You
One of the simplest ways to succeed in completing a goal is to set one that excites you. If it’s something you’re genuinely passionate about, the work required to achieve that goal becomes that much easier.
Goals Don’t Have to be Grandiose
Remember that your goal doesn’t have to be flashy. A goal is a goal. Whether you desire to adopt a shelter animal or create an animal sanctuary, the size of the goal isn’t the point. Completing it is.
Consistency is Key
Like most anything, consistency makes all the difference when achieving goals. Consistency is a theme you can expect to hear if you ask almost any successful entrepreneur, professional athlete, or entertainer their key to success.
Celebrate the Small Wins
Progress is progress—no matter how small.
I’d like to end on a high note by stating that regardless of how much progress is made toward your goals, accomplishing them is possible. We’re built to dream, dare, and make the impossible possible.
Here’s to a year full of significant change.
With optimism in every stride,
Bob Powell
