How to Set Goals & Resolutions

You may think that setting goals and resolutions are only for New Year's, but that's not so. You can make a goal at any time of year, or even renew ones you previously failed to complete. Many people have trouble setting goals because they don't know where to start. Problems and personal issues can seem overwhelming, with each just as important as another. If this is the case with you, pick small, easily achievable goals at first to gain momentum and build your confidence. Once you have done that, you'll be ready to tackle bigger and more complex goals.

Instructions

• 1

  Make goals and resolutions achievable and realistic -- don't set yourself up for failure by making a resolution that a normal person would not be able to complete. Make a goal to lose ten pounds in two months, for example -- not in two weeks. Preserve your health, self-esteem, and overall well-being by setting similarly practical goals.

• 2

  Be specific with your goals. Spell them out in great detail: for example, "I will eat 500 fewer calories per day and exercise for one hour each day in order to lose ten pounds in two months." Avoid making your goals vague: for example, "I resolve to lose weight."

• 3

  Set a timeframe for your goals -- get a calendar, if needed, to write them down. Work to complete your resolutions by a specific date; avoid setting vague dates, such as "sometimes this year I'll lose weight." Plan a reward that you will give yourself when you reach the achievement date for added motivation.

• 4

  Break down larger goals into smaller steps; for instance, if you want to get a job with a higher salary, set mini goals such as "I will first rewrite my resume, then I will look through the want ads. Later I will arrange interviews for jobs in which I'm interested." Celebrate when you accomplish a step to keep the goal-setting experience positive.

• 5

  Make new goals when your first ones are accomplished. Make these goals more complex and harder to achieve than previous goals.

• 6

  Tell others about your goals and resolutions, including any milestones you made for yourself. Ask others to hold you to those milestones and goals when your own motivation and drive are flagging.

• 7

  Write down any potential obstacles and how to deal with them. Follow through with your plan if and when these obstacles arise. Make your plan as detailed and specific as the one you made for setting your goals.