This is the time of the year when everyone’s discussing goal-setting. When thinking about our goals I think most people (including me) miss a key part of making goals: follow-through, necessary steps and the processes necessary to help you achieve those goals.

In setting my goals for the year, I developed a great set of tips and wanted to share:

1.  KEEP IT REAL

In my opinion this is the most important tip. Keep it real with yourself! The surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unachievable. Yes, create goals that challenge you; but make them attainable. Saying your goal is to win the lottery this year might not be the most realistic goal. Especially when you consider that only 1 in 13,983,816 individuals have a chance at winning. Instead, strive for a goal that is attainable, such as I will find a better paying job this year. Make sense?

2.  THINK AHEAD

When setting goals for the new year don’t wait until the last minute. If you want to make a change in the new year you should probably be planning in the months prior. This can vary depending on what the goal is. But, you get the gist! Think ahead. Otherwise, it will be based on your mindset on any particular day instead of being carefully thought out.

3.  PUT PROCESSES IN PLACE PART 1

Think of how you will achieve your goals and what processes you will need to make them happen. Plan for the temptations, distractions, and obstructions. For example: decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that exercise class or have that piece of cake? A process could be to call on a your spouse or a friend for help or implement pep talks to remind yourself how your choices will affect your goal.

4.  PUT PROCESSES IN PLACE PART 2

Develop a routine. Does your goal require early mornings? Start practicing before the new year with waking up earlier than normal. Does your goal require financial monthly savings? Go through your monthly subscriptions to see if you really need Netflix and Hulu. Can you do without one until your goal is reached?

5.  TALK ABOUT IT

Don’t keep your goal a secret. Tell ONLY the friends and family members who will be there to support your resolve to change yourself, or improve your wellbeing. It’s vital that you are selective in who you choose to share with. Not everyone is rooting for you!

6.  BE ACCOUNTABLE

According to the American Society of Training & Development, you have a 65% chance of completing a goal if you have someone to hold you accountable. Start by setting a standing accountability appointment for coffee, a text or email to report status. You will be amazed at the results. The best-case scenario will be to find an accountability partner who shares your same goal. That ways you can motivate each other.

7.  TRACK YOUR PROGRESS

Keep track of each and every success. It doesn’t matter the size. When developing short-term goals, remember they are easier to keep. Tracking small accomplishments will help keep you motivated. For example: instead of focusing on losing 30 pounds, focus on losing the first five. Get into the habit of keeping a food journal to help you stay on track.

8.  DO THE WORK

As self proclaimed procrastinator, this is a big one for me. Whether it’s a daily workout, a financial plan or learning something new, scheduling time to work on your specific goal is essential. According to Dr. Heidi Grant Halvorson, a psychologist who studies goal-setting, scheduling time to work on achieving your goals doubles and sometimes triples your chances for success.

9.  STAY THE COURSE

In other words, Keep going! Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity to become a habit and six months for it to become part of your personality or routine. Remember it won’t happen overnight, so be persistent and patient!

10. KEEP TRYING

If you have totally run out of steam when it comes to keeping your goal by mid-February, don’t be discouraged. Pick yourself up and start over again! Remind yourself why you started and recommit yourself for 24 hours. You can do anything for 24 hours. The 24-hour increments will soon become 48 hours, before you know it, you will be back on track.

I hope these tips help you. I for sure will be using them as I work on my goals for 2022. What are your 2022 goals? Share them in the comments section below.