Many of us make new year’s goals or resolutions, but we despise doing so. Why is that? Could it be because we have not yet seen them through, or maybe they were too lofty or there was not a clear path to achieve them? If so, you’re not alone.

Like many moms reading this, I make a list of New Year’s goals every year. It’s not a long list, but a few things I want to focus on every year. It seems cliché, I know, but goals are important to set. Some are physical (like losing weight) and others are emotional (like being more present with my kids and friends).

Sometime around Spring, my goals fizzle and I fall back to old patterns – I feel like I’ve failed. Did you know only 8% of us achieve what we resolved to do by end of the year? Even though I write my goals down and tape them to my bathroom linen closet, I don’t seem to make them a priority – or maybe I don’t know how to. Goals make life more colorful and fulfilling so I’m not giving up just yet! I haven’t failed, I just need to take a few steps backwards and map out the “why” so that I am better prepared for crafting my yearly plan.

Here are 6 questions to ask yourself before mapping out this year’s new year’s goals:

Were your goals realistic and attainable?
How many of them are still lingering? Why? Did you not dedicate the time or put in the work? Or maybe you didn’t have a good game plan on how to tackle?
Did you ask for help from people around you? Were you flexible and open to suggestions?
Was your list too long, and maybe too overwhelming?
Were there opportunities and moments that you didn’t seize that you wish you would have?
Did your goals need to be extended to 2023 and possibly require longer planning?

I am determined to mark my goals complete at the end of 2024. In order to do that, I need a roadmap of how to get there.

Here are the 5 smart steps I’m following to ensure success:

Journal – Take an honest look at your list from last year. Reflect on the wins & misses. Physically write down the goals you achieved – it’ll empower you and ensures you’re committed & amped for future goals you set. Try not to linger on the misses, just rework them for the following year.
Find Joy – Make the process enjoyable. Find something you really enjoy and sparks happiness inside of you. More coffee dates with friends. Join a fun fitness dance class. Take up pottery. Make date night a priority every week. Tailor your goals to YOU.
Push Out the Deadline – Achieve goals gradually, especially the loftier ones that take time to implement. No one says you have to complete it in a year if it’s not feasible. Don’t think of it as an end goal, it’s more of a journey!
Keep it Simple – Goals should stay bite-sized. Adjust goals throughout the year to keep you challenged and yearning for more. If you’re shooting for the stars, try not to forget about each individual step that will eventually get you there – baby steps, mama.
Be the Verb – You may want to be the noun without doing the verb – be 15 lbs. lighter, get that new promotion, travel more, etc. Ultimately, the only way to achieve your goals is through action. Start now – don’t fantasize about the end result.

The yearly ritual of goal setting doesn’t have to lead to frustration and feelings of failure. Sometimes, the difference between completing goals and falling flat is simply choosing the right resolution and path to achieve it. Remember, though, be kind and flexible with yourself – and celebrate wins along the way!

Share how you keep yourself accountable to reach your New Years goals below!

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