Year after year, we set goals that we’re convinced we’ll achieve this time. Yet, it happens to everyone—the plans just don’t quite pan out.
It’s a cycle: we set ourselves up, fail, feel guilty, and then repeat the same mistakes. When we fail to meet our goals, it should actually be seen as a learning opportunity. For example, if you drink 15 sodas a week, it’s unrealistic to completely quit all at once. You’re likely setting yourself up to fail.
Instead, learn from your past attempts. Try reducing your soda intake by half first. Once you hit that milestone, then cut it down further. The issue many face is that goals aren’t measurable. Goals like “I’m going to be happier this year” are too vague. How will you measure your happiness? Who will keep you on track?
That’s why you need measurable goals and someone to hold you accountable. These two go hand-in-hand. Without measurable goals, accountability isn’t possible. On the flip side, without someone to hold you accountable, those measurable goals can easily slip, especially when you fail. And you will fail sometimes, which is part of the process.
Failure isn’t a bad thing. No one reaches every goal they set. For instance, if I reached all my goals, I’d own a condo in the Keys with a great fishing boat. If you accomplish 50-60% of your goals, especially if they’re challenging and require multiple steps, you’re doing great. If you’re hitting all your goals, consider aiming higher!
So, what are your goals this year? If your goal is to “get in shape,” then let’s break it down into measurable parts. For instance:
– Exercise for 30 minutes three times a week
– Add more vegetables to your meals
– Drink more water daily
These subgoals help track your progress toward getting in shape.
To stay accountable, you could team up with a workout partner, coworker, family member, or significant other. And, if you need additional support, you can reach out to us. We can help you stay on track with weekly check-ins and guidance—just email us at Support@DIYactive.com and let us know what you’re working on.
No matter your approach, you can reach your goals with measurable plans and accountability. Best of luck!