Embrace the New Year: Set Your Goals for Success
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Chapter 1: Embracing Change
As the clock ticks down, we bid farewell to 2021 and welcome 2022. Given the tumultuous events of recent years, it’s completely understandable if you feel overwhelmed. Personally, I’m still processing everything that unfolded in 2020. With COVID-19 still prevalent both globally and locally, the past few years have often felt like a blur of “Someday I’ll…” and “One day, when this is all over…”.
It's Time to Wake Up!
December marks the conclusion of the year—a period for relaxation, rejuvenation, and spending quality time with loved ones, all wrapped in holiday cheer. For me, the end of the year signifies the approach of a new beginning, which translates into goal setting!
Goals are the driving force that shape my year, bringing a sense of accomplishment and productivity. During the early days of the pandemic, I found myself in a phase of self-discovery. Before COVID, I had few hobbies—if you knew me back then, you might find that hard to believe. My days were consumed by work, and my nights were spent in front of the television. I felt trapped in a monotonous routine, with my job leading me nowhere. It wasn’t until I discovered a few transformative books in 2020 that everything changed.
Life-Changing Moments
Since the onset of COVID-19, I’ve experienced a complete turnaround. Instead of feeling stuck and powerless, I embraced change. I discarded my fixed mindset and banished toxic beliefs. Negative thoughts like “I’m so stupid” were replaced with “I’m just learning.” Similarly, “I can’t do this! I’m a failure” evolved into “I haven’t figured this out yet.” I immersed myself in self-help literature throughout 2020, with titles like "Girl, Stop Apologizing" and "Everything is Figureoutable". In 2021, I expanded my reading to include leadership, management, culture, change, and strategy, all inspired by my new career—one that I love and have fully committed to. I've prioritized my education and personal development in areas that matter to me.
Additionally, I cultivated new habits. I began exercising regularly and adopted a cleaner, more mindful diet. I made it a point to read as much as possible, whether through physical books, audiobooks, or my Kindle. During errands or drives, I would listen to podcasts or audiobooks instead of zoning out in front of the TV. I started to realize the possibilities that opened up when I changed my lifestyle. I discovered that I had the power to achieve anything I truly desired. All it took was crafting a solid action plan.
Accomplish All Your Dreams in 4 Simple Steps:
To realize any dream or goal, I learned that following these four steps makes it achievable.
Believe in Your Dream & Visualize It as Reality:
This should be the dream you desire above all else. Close your eyes and envision it as your present reality, feeling the emotions associated with that achievement. Trust that your dream, goal, or objective is attainable and that you hold the power to make it happen.
Example:
If your aspiration is to become a top executive, visualize the feelings of power, responsibility, and what this role means for you and your family. Contemplate the changes you could implement, the initiatives you could spearhead, and how you would navigate challenges head-on.
Break Down Your Dream and Build Out a Goal:
While belief is vital, you must also define what success looks like concretely. Your goal must be specific, measurable, attainable, and realistic, with clear time constraints.
Example:
If you aim to be a world-famous musician, clarify what that means to you. Is it about having your album heard by millions? Is it getting viral hits on platforms like YouTube or TikTok? Write out your goal in a measurable way, remembering that time constraints drive achievement.
Example 2:
Instead of saying, “I want to be a famous musician in five years,” specify: “I will share weekly singing and guitar videos on my YouTube channel and aim for 1,000 subscribers by June 20, 2022.”
Document Your Action Steps:
Once you've established a SMART goal, outline each step you need to take to achieve it. If your dream is lofty, ensure your goal is realistic and break it down into actionable items.
Example:
For recognition as an industry leader, you might outline steps like pursuing further education, developing an online presence, and researching awards to enhance credibility.
Follow Through & Take Action:
Simply visualizing and documenting your goals isn’t enough. You must commit to taking the actionable steps consistently, even when it’s challenging. Schedule time for these tasks and follow through daily.
Example:
If your goal is to exercise five times a week, this means actually going to the gym and sticking to your regimen, even on tough days.
Final Thoughts:
Remember, your actions are always in your control. The decisions you make each day significantly influence your success. By cultivating small, daily habits aligned with your larger goals, you’ll notice measurable changes in your results. Consistency is key to maintaining momentum. You possess the power to shape your day and, consequently, your life. If you feel pressed for time, it’s likely because you haven’t prioritized your goals yet. This year will progress regardless—will you take charge or remain passive?
Take this opportunity to awaken your ambitions, outline your goals, and create an actionable plan. Your dreams can become your reality—it truly is that simple. Make 2022 your best year yet. If it doesn’t turn out as planned, reconsider your current priorities.
This article was penned by Laura Jean. For assistance with planning and organization, visit TheBujoAcademy.co for all your digital planning needs.
The first video "Ready, Set, Goals!" discusses effective strategies for setting and achieving your goals.
The second video "Ready. Set. Goal!" offers insights on overcoming obstacles and staying motivated in your goal-setting journey.