What Worked, What Sucked + Tips for Goal Setting for 2023
APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | PANDORA
The start of a new year always feels like a fresh slate, a chance to make things happen and set new goals. I’m sure many of you have been there, setting those ambitious New Year’s resolutions on January 1st, all fired up and ready to conquer the world. But let’s be real, how many times have you found yourself by the third week of January struggling to stay on track, and it feels like all those goals have just gone out the window? Yep, been there, done that.
And that’s exactly what I want to talk about today. I totally get it, because I’ve faced those same challenges too. I’ve had moments where I set these big goals for myself, but life happens, and suddenly I’m in this battle to stay focused and on the right path. So, in this episode, I want to share some tips and strategies that I’ve learned over time to help you not only set those goals but actually hit them. Because if you set those goals, there’s a reason behind them, right? They matter to you, and I’m here to help you get a step closer to achieving them.
The Reality of Goal Setting
We've all been there, myself included. It's a familiar scenario – the enthusiasm wanes, motivation fizzles out, and those well-intentioned resolutions fall to the wayside. But that's exactly why I want to share some insights today – to help you not just set those goals but actually achieve them.
Getting Real with Challenges
Before we dive into strategies for goal achievement, let me take a moment to express my gratitude for your support on this podcast journey. "Real as F**k" is all about embracing the bumps in the road, showing the raw and unfiltered side of entrepreneurship that often goes unmentioned. It's about understanding that life isn't all smooth sailing, and that's perfectly okay.
Learning from Setbacks
So, here's the scoop: I messed up too. I pledged to bring you weekly episodes, but life had other plans. I recently took on a new job in the midst of December, right on the cusp of the new year. The past year was a whirlwind of stress, compounded by launching this podcast during a chaotic Q4 period. The balancing act between this podcast and a high-stress retail job was, needless to say, draining.
Reflecting on the Past Year
The start of a new year is an ideal time for reflection. Looking back on the previous year's wins and losses, highs and lows – it's all part of the process. For instance, last year, I ventured into launching an Etsy store focused on empowering apparel. It was a valuable learning experience, but it didn't align with the impact I wanted to make. That taught me a crucial lesson: pivoting is sometimes necessary when something isn't resonating as expected.
Embracing Personal Milestones
Speaking of wins, let's not forget those personal milestones. My son's high school graduation marked a significant chapter in my life. It's moments like these that shape our journey, reminding us of the importance of family and personal growth. He chose an unconventional path by opting not to attend college and pursuing entrepreneurship instead. It's a testament to the fact that success doesn't always follow a linear trajectory.
Crafting Clear and Attainable Goals
Setting goals is great, but setting SMART goals is even better. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. I've aligned my goals for the year with these principles – like reclaiming control over my health and achieving business milestones. It's about translating vague aspirations into concrete objectives with actionable plans.
Overcoming Obstacles with Preparedness
Life isn't a smooth ride, and obstacles are bound to crop up. The key is being ready for them. I've identified potential hurdles that could steer me off course, and I've devised solutions to overcome them. It's like having a backup plan in place, so I'm not caught off guard when challenges arise. Being prepared minimizes the impact of setbacks and keeps me focused on the bigger picture.
Celebrating Milestones
Milestones are the small victories that keep you motivated on your journey. For me, they include daily goals like taking 10,000 steps, hitting my macros, and maintaining consistency in my workouts. Acknowledging these milestones provides a sense of achievement and reinforces your commitment to your goals.
The Power of Accountability
We all need a little nudge to stay on track. For me, accountability comes in the form of Notion – a digital tool that helps me stay organized and focused. Establishing a routine of regular check-ins ensures I'm continuously aware of my progress and areas that need improvement.
Adaptability: The Key to Success
Life isn't static, and neither are your goals. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial components of the journey. Pivoting isn't synonymous with failure; it's a sign of growth. If something isn't yielding the desired results, don't be afraid to make adjustments. Remember, the journey itself is just as important as reaching the destination.
Your Imperfect Journey to Success
In a nutshell, success is about embracing imperfections, learning from experiences, and crafting a strategy that resonates with you. Your journey won't always be a straight path, and that's perfectly okay. Remember, every stumble is a stepping stone toward your dreams. This year, let's focus on crushing our goals, learning from challenges, and celebrating each victory along the way. You've got this!
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