Pop the bubbly, it’s time to set your New Year Goals!
Before you poo-poo the concept of New Year’s resolutions (because we all know they turn to poo by February), remember that Pregame isn’t about empty resolutions. We achieve GOALS.
Here’s how to approach your goal setting to make sure you can turn your vision into reality this year.
But first:
Why Goals Fail
We make goals we don’t really want.
It’s so easy to get distracted from what you truly want. Between friends & family, social media, and advertising everywhere we look, there are plenty of influences telling us what we should want instead of what we actually want. When you’re chasing something that’s not important to you, you’ll either be unhappy or you’ll sabotage it in the process.
We’re not honest with ourselves about our true goals.
Say you’re trying to get in shape for the New Year, and you decide it’s because you want to stave off disease in your older age… but you’re only 35 right now and your immediate priority is getting a hot date for Friday night. Don’t lie to yourself! Get real so that you’re really motivated. If your true goal is to bag some honeys with your ripped bod, then be honest and get that date. (Don’t worry, the health will be a great side effect.)
Your goal isn’t the right size.
If your goal is too big, it’s demotivating. But a goal that’s too small can be demotivating too. Make the goal big enough that you’re excited about it. Challenging yourself to new heights is fulfilling in itself whether you reach your goal or not.
You didn’t focus on small steps.
It can seem boring, but it’s the real key to success. It’s so tempting to want instant gratification, like a crash diet over slow, sustained weight loss, but hard-won results are more likely to stick.
Habits are strong, so create habits that serve your goal. Make sure your goal has a habit component.
Now that you know what to avoid, here’s what you should do to take out insurance on your goals:
1. Reverse Engineer Your Goals
Start big and slice your goal down to the smallest possible steps. Want to get in shape? Focus on that daily workout. Start small and build up. Check in constantly. Use a tracking system, whether it’s an app or a pen & paper. Small steps really do add up. It’s not glamorous, but it’s effective.
2. Find a Goal Squad
Accountability is the game changer. This is a clever way of leveraging our essential human need for belonging. When you surround yourself with people who are achievers, you’re more driven to achieve… as long as that crew is authentic, supportive, and empathetic. Even if you’re doing a goal on your own, you can work people and a sense of belonging into the reward.
3. Create a Goal-Friendly Environment
Set yourself up for success. Researchers call it “removing friction” – making it easier to take the actions that matter.
Want to drink more water? Keep a bottle on your desk, not in the fridge in the other room.
Want to go running in the morning? Sleep in your running clothes. Yes, really.
Want to eat less sugar? Get it out of the house.
You can also create triggers that cue up healthy actions. For example, listen to your favorite podcast while folding laundry, or light a candle for the hour you spend writing your novel today.
4. Connect Your Goal to Your Values
What really matters most to you at the end of the day? Is it your family? Your reputation? Money? Maximum time off? Giving back?
The more you tie your goals to your personal values, the more likely you are to follow through even when the going gets tough.
Your values are your identity; you’re willing to sacrifice much more in favor of becoming the person you want to be.
Want a step-by-step guide to setting your goals? Grab your own copy of Game Plan, the book that launched Pregame!
