Millennium Health and FitnessMillennium Health and Fitness
As the new year approaches, many of us start promising ourselves that this will be the year we grow our businesses or advance our careers like never before. Sound familiar? You’ve likely already written down some resolutions and are ready to go. But the big question to ask yourself is, what will make this year different? What will prevent you from falling back into the same habits and getting the same results?
Here are a few ways to build momentum and make this your best year ever:
Make Reasonable and Specific Goals. One of the most common ways to fall short of your goals is by setting unattainable targets. When defining your objectives, choose wisely. It’s often better to make significant progress on one goal than to make minimal advancements on multiple goals. By focusing on quality and narrowing your focus, you set yourself up for greater success (Shapiro & Carlson, 2009).
Create a Plan. Once you have your goal(s) in mind, use a backward planning approach. Break your goal into smaller, manageable steps. This creates a clear roadmap of what needs to be done to reach your desired destination. Working backward helps structure your plan, making it easier to track progress and stay focused on your objectives (Langer, 1989).
Ensure Your Goals are Measurable. Achievement often follows measurement. To gauge progress, set measurable milestones. By tracking your progress, you can celebrate small victories and maintain momentum (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2022).
Talk About Your Goals. Share your goals with friends, family, and trusted colleagues. Their support can help keep you accountable and motivated, making your journey to success less solitary (Shapiro & Carlson, 2009).
Ask for Help if Needed. Don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. If things aren’t going as planned, reaching out to others can provide fresh perspectives and guidance (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2020).
Avoid Repeating Mistakes. If past methods haven’t worked, don’t expect different results by continuing with them. Instead, take a different approach to see better outcomes (Langer, 1989).
Prioritize Time for Yourself. Block out specific time slots in your calendar for focused work. Creating these distraction-free periods can boost productivity and ensure you stay on track (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).
Balance Work and Play. While work is important, your greatest wealth is often discretionary time. Be sure to say yes to activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Balance is essential for long-term success and happiness (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2021).
Vision boards are collections of images, objects, and ideas organized to help you visualize and manifest your goals. They can be physical boards or digital creations.
What Does a Vision Board Do?
A vision board serves as a tangible guide for your aspirations in various areas of life, offering a visual representation of the goals you aim to achieve. Placing it in a prominent space enables regular visualization exercises, reinforcing your priorities and goals. Visualization is a powerful mental exercise that becomes more impactful when focused on the feelings you want to experience, rather than just material outcomes (Shapiro & Carlson, 2009).
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What You Will Need
How to Make a Physical Vision Board
How to Make a Digital Vision Board
By setting realistic goals, creating a solid plan, and visualizing success, you can make this upcoming year one of your most productive and fulfilling.
References:
Matuson, R. (2022, January 3). 10 tips to start the New Year Off Right. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertamatuson/2021/12/31/10-tips-to-start-the-new-year-off-right/?sh=4abd6490c1f6
Rider, E. (2017, December 7). The reason vision boards work and how to make one. HuffPost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-scientific-reason-why_b_6392274. Retrieved November 2024.