Every year without fail we make new year resolutions that we cannot keep. Then we feel like we have failed and it puts a damper on our mood for the year.

According to the University of Scranton (Michael Scott’s hometown), a whopping 92% of people who set new year’s eve resolutions do not actually achieve them. Are we surprised? Probably not. But why is it that we cannot meet the goals we set for ourselves every year?

Because we start off on the wrong foot and do not set our goals correctly.

You do not have a timeline. You’re not sure when it will happen.
Your goal is Vague. You’re not being specific enough with what you want to achieve.
Unwritten. You have not taken the time to write your goals out on paper. Yes, there is an actual study that proves this works.
Your goal is intimidating. We can all see the future we want but we don’t break the road to get there into smaller realistic steps.

How do we set goals that work? By transforming them from a dream, into a plan.

1) Follow the proven steps of SMART goals.
– Specific: Make your goals specific and narrow for more effective planning.
– Measurable: Provide a way to evaluate and keep track of the metrics or data targets that will prove you are making progress then re-evaluate when necessary.
– Attainable: Make sure you can reasonably accomplish your goal within a certain timeframe.
– Relevant: Your goals should align with your values and long-term objectives.
– Time-Bound: Set a realistic, ambitious end-date for task prioritization and motivation.

2) Write it out! A study at The Dominican University found a 42% average of people achieving their goals when they write them down on paper.

3) Put a reasonable timeline to it. Having a due date can give you a sense of urgency to get it done.

4) Break your goal down into baby steps. You must first learn how to walk before you can run. Breaking your goals down into smaller steps makes your goal more manageable.

Journal Prompts for 2022:
1) 3 things I achieved in 2021
2) My biggest lesson in 2021
3) What do I want more of in 2022?
4) 5 intentions for the year. “I will…”
5) Your word or words for 2022
6) Main Goals and Focus for 2022 psst…remember to be really specific here.
7) Purpose in 2022
8) By the end of 2022…

So grab yourself a pen and paper or write out your goals the twenty-first century way and get out your IPad and Apple Pencil and start making yourself goals you can achieve this year to make you that much closer to your end goal, whatever that might be :).

Infographics are found on my Instagram account here.