New New Years: Part 3
- Willow Williams
- Feb 22, 2024
- 3 min read
I know. I know. I know. You're probably thinking, "Get over the New New Years stuff, Willow. Just move on!" Honey, I'm trying. There's just so much to unpack. I swear this is the last of it. In theory. Maybe.
Here's the links to New New Years Parts 1 and 2 if you need to get caught up:
Anyhoo…
You can blame my friend Mario for this one. We were chatting as I was trying to add some stuff to New New Years Part 1 about how to set goals. He said something to the effect of, "That sounds like a stand-alone article." And the more I thought about it, he was right. Damn him.
So how DO you set goals? How do you set yourself up for success? How do you hold yourself accountable? How? How? HOW?
Step 1: Don't panic
Step 2: Set SMART goals
Now you might have heard about "SMART" goals. SMART is an acronym that stands for "Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time Bound." Rather than explain, I will give you a bad and good example.
Bad Example:
Specific: I will lose weight
Measurable: I will weight less
Achievable: I can do it
Relevant: I need to lose weight
Time Bound: I need to lose weight soon
Good Example:
Specific: I will lose weight so I am healthier and happier
Measurable: I will lose 20 pounds
Achievable: I will lose 20 pounds by exercising three times per week
Relevant: I will lose 20 pounds by riding an elliptical at the gym 3 times per week
Time Bound: I will lose 20 pounds by 12.31.24
Not sure if that's a "good" example, but is definitively a better example. Get the idea? "I'm going to lose weight" is too generic. You need to be detailed about it. And most importantly, realistic. Examine your life, routines, obligations, self-care needs, work schedule, everything, and then set realistic goals. "I will lose 20 pounds by the end of the month" is not realistic. "I will lose 20 pounds by the end of the year by exercising three times a week at the gym on an elliptical because I want to be healthy and happy" is realistic. The devil is in the details, so to speak.
Step 3: There is also something to telling a friend to keep you accountable. If someone knows your goals, and you tell them how it's going regularly, you have accountability. A good friend of mine is trying to eat better and exercise more so she can avoid surgery. She sends me a message every couple of days that says something like "I walked for 20 minutes this morning," or "I've been eating more bananas." And I send back virtual high fives, a suggestion once in a while, but I am mostly there to help her hold herself accountable. If you can find someone like that in your life, use the snot out of them! #withconsent
Step 4: Keeping your goals in front of your face also helps too. Lots of ways to do this: vision boards, sticky notes all over the house, daily verbal or written affirmations, and probably a bunch of other ways I haven't even thought of. Goals are all about changing your habits, building new neural pathways, finding new ways to do things, and being resourceful. Constant reminders keep the goals front and center, and that's exactly where you want them to be.
Step 5: I've also talked before about being gracious with yourself. You will fail. AND THAT'S OK. Seriously. I don't know how else to put it to you. Life happens and there will be days where you just don't fucking feel like it. That's why setting REALISTIC goals is important. You know your life, your limits, your responsibilities, and your strengths and weaknesses. Plan your goals around those things and you'll be much better off in the long run. It might take a little longer getting there, but you will be a healthier, happier person as you go along doing it this way.
So all this to say, don't be intimidated by goal setting. Be SMART about your goals, Be realistic. And don't be afraid to fail. Below are some links to help you in your goal setting journey. If this is all too intimidating, start small. "Every time I go to the store for the next month, I will park as far away as possible to get more walking in so I can increase my endurance by the end of March." A small but mighty step (literally!) in the right direction.
Helpful links:
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