The end of the year may often conjure feelings of panic about how much time is left, and how much we still haven’t done despite our best laid hopes and dreams. From both a personal and a professional standpoint, it can be tough to take a look at how much you have, or haven’t done in the last 11 months.
The typical remedy for this feeling is to ‘self soothe’ with the proverbial list of New Year’s resolutions. But even as we make that wish list, we know in our heart of hearts that there’s little chance that we’ll make the time or an actual plan to cross those things off that list. Millions of people perpetuate this cycle of paralysis and indecision year after year. If you’re one of the people who’s interested in breaking that cycle, keep reading.
RESOLUTION vs GOALS
The reason most resolutions don’t work is because they are often confused with goals. Resolutions are wishes… typically listed to make us feel like we’re doing something good for ourselves. Goals are wishes that come with a plan… and most importantly, a timeline. In order for a goal to be viable, it has to be realistic and relevant to who we are and what we wish to accomplish.
The first thing a goal has to be is specific. Goals also differ from resolutions in this way. Resolutions tend to be vague, and full of passive phrases like ‘try’ and ‘do what I can.’ Goals should also align with your passions. On the most basic level, you have to believe that you are worthy of setting and going after your goals (because of course you are). If you lack the desire to take the steps to achieve a certain result, then you are less likely to achieve that goal. Your goals should reflect what you want, and realistically align with what you’re willing to do to get it.
The journey to reach your goal should be segmented into measurable milestones. This helps you keep track of your progress, and can also motivate you to keep going.
Your goal should be realistic and attainable. So if your goal is to grow wings and fly to the moon… well, we love that dream for you.
Your goal should be time-bound. And the time should be relative to the goal. Setting a long timeline for a simple goal is just as imbalanced as setting a short timeline for a complicated goal. Set your deadlines in realistic accordance to your goal, and you’ll be more likely to achieve them.
We outline 10 major steps on how to set and achieve your goals in the season 1 finale (Episode 12) of the HABIBI LIFE Podcast. You can can find it (and a full transcript if you were so inclined to take notes), on the home page of this site, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Here’s to a prosperous and productive future in 2023… and beyond!