It’s the start of the new year. We all have new goals to achieve, habits to change and traditions to keep up with. Time for new years resolutions, both personally and professionally!
Buuutt we also recognize that suddenly the gym starts to be at McDonalds, in week 1 we’re already behind at work and that coffee is the main thing that keeps us going…
Our community loves these everyday tips to help them achieve their goals. So, how can we reach our goals faster? Here’s three tips!
Set SMART goals
SMARTs stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant & Time Bound. It’s an established acronym that you can use to plan and achieve your goals. SMART goals use a specific set of criteria to help ensure that objectives are clearly defined and attainable within a certain timeframe.
An example of a smart goal is: “I will obtain a job as a software engineer within three months after graduating from my Bachelor of Science.”
Put your goals into writing
Make it real and tangible! Writing down goals means that you can visually see them. Once we are able to see something, it affects the way we act. Fun fact: we are 42% to achieve our goals if we write them down. Moreover, there are many other reasons why you want to write down your goals, besides achieving them. For instance, a boost in motivation, improvement of focus and reduction of stress levels!
Tip: frame your goal in a positive way and use words like “will” instead of “would like to” and “might”. Then, create a to-do list to follow up with your goals in smaller steps. Post your goals in visible places to remind yourself of them every day.
Put your goals into writing
Make it real and tangible! Writing down goals means that you can visually see them. Once we are able to see something, it affects the way we act. Fun fact: we are 42% to achieve our goals if we write them down. Moreover, there are many other reasons why you want to write down your goals, besides achieving them. For instance, a boost in motivation, improvement of focus and reduction of stress levels!
Tip: frame your goal in a positive way and use words like “will” instead of “would like to” and “might”. Then, create a to-do list to follow up with your goals in smaller steps. Post your goals in visible places to remind yourself of them every day.
Stick with it!
We are tempted to think setting goals is a means to an end. Rather, it’s an ongoing process. Create reminders and take the time to check in with yourself on your goal status.
Sometimes small changes can help you reach your bigger milestones:
- Create accountability. Talk to a colleague or a friend about your goals. Come up with a way to report your progress. Many people feel more accountable to others than to themselves. This helps to motivate you!
- Make it smaller. Break your achievements down into smaller chunks. Once you start moving into the right direction, it’s easier to keep the momentum. This makes it more likely that you finish the tasks.
- Give yourself a day off. You don’t have to commit every day of the week. A cheat day can be restorative and give you the energy to keep going. Make sure to define the start and end time of your break and keep yourself to these.