How to set goals the realistic way

"A goal without a plan is just a wish"

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Setting goals seems like the thing we do right before the new year kicks in, and we do it the same way every time...

1. We sit and day dream and think of all the things we want
2. We list them all out and set unrealistic expectations for deadlines
3. Then we proceed to procrastinate on those goals because we don't know how we can even start to make it all happen 
4. This delay and feeling of being lost makes us less productive and unmotivated
5. Over time we compare ourselves to others and see their success as our failure 
6. We decide maybe all those dreams were just a fantasy and it was never meant to be
7. AND we do it all again right before the next year in hopes that this time things will be 'different'

...do you recognise this pattern?

Do we both have this in common? ...no, well I know that this is what I used to do in the past. The problem with this is that NOTHING is different except maybe the list of goals which has probably become EVEN MORE UNREALISTIC year after year. All we've done is create a toxic relationship with our goals and developed a negative outlook towards ourselves.  

Over the last few years I have developed a better understanding of how to set my goals and how to come up with a plan to make MOST if not all of them happen (this is realistic). 

STEP 1: Cut yourself some slack

You are not a superhuman. It's completely okay if you don't pursue all your goals at once. What's important is that you're setting a plan in motion that will try to cover your goals.

STEP 2: Pick the RIGHT goals

Don't pick any generic goals because you feel expected to. Pick goals that have meaning to you and your life. We're all different, although we may want similar things, it doesn't mean we're at the same point in our lives. So make sure you pick goals that you are passionate about pursuing and ones that fit into your life.

"Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress; working for something we love is called passion" 

- Simon Sinek

STEP 3: Don't schedule in an extreme makeover

It's good to dream big and change your life, but don't do it all at once. If you see yourself changing dramatically over the next year THAT'S GREAT. However, try to limit yourself to 1-2 changes at a time because it's very likely that these changes may require you to develop a new habit and by doing this you'll be making your goals more achievable. It takes 66 days to develop a new habit and trying to change your life overnight won't work...at least for most of us it won't. You'll be overloaded trying to eat right, workout, write, read, meditate and become a rocket scientist all at the same time!

STEP 4: Make short lists (that's plural!)

So you just went out and bought yourself a fancy journal and pen, and now you've opened up the fancy goals page and you're about to fill it up with all the things you think you need to become. We've all been there...but this long list of unrealistic goals won't do it. Try to make short lists. 

Divide your goals into short term and long term, that way you can focus on your short term list on a daily basis, while still checking in with your long term goals from time to time. And if you need to, make even shorter and more specific lists. 

For example: you might want to concentrate on a few goals that are related to fitness; make a 'fitness goals' list. Personally, I like to make yearly, monthly and weekly goals. This helps me make these goals a part of my routine when I put my planner together (keep an eye out for my next blog post!)

STEP 5: Be flexible but set deadlines

It's important for you to understand that life is dynamic and so naturally your goals must be too. You need to be flexible with your goals and learn how to prioritise which goals need to come first to best suit your routine and lifestyle. 

After prioritising your goals, don't procrastinate on them for too long, so having a deadline drives you to work towards your goals. It helps you move forward and put a plan in motion to make those goals a reality!

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I've included a free printable worksheet that will help you make your goals lists and identify why you are or aren't achieving those goals! And in my next post I'll be sharing how I plan my daily routine and make my goals a part of that so that.

 - Zahra