We've all been there... January 1st, setting intentions for the New Year, hoping to change our life for the better. Then comes December 31st of the same year and we look back, realizing we achieved much less than intended.
We're here to tell you how to change that. If you want to become the type of person who sets goals and actually achieves them, this post is for you. We'll provide step-by-step actions you can take and tips to help you succeed.
Visualize what you want your life to look like and what you can do to get there. Decide on a few goals you would like to achieve and write them down.
TIP: Make sure you're being realistic! You don't want to set goals that are impossible to achieve. Set intentions that are within reach and will benefit your life.
Create a timeline. You can do this in a planner, on a calendar app on your phone, or even on a piece of paper you can pin to your wall. Break your goals down into weekly or monthly tasks.
For example, If you have a goal to save $1200 in one year, break it down into $100 a month or $25 per week. Putting away $25 per week sounds more reachable. If you want to start exercising more, give yourself a realistic number of days per week to work out.
TIP: Create a sense of urgency! You are far more likely to put away money each week or month than you might be if you allowed yourself the entire year. Set a reminder each payday to transfer $50 into a savings account.
Hold yourself accountable. Tell someone in your life about what you want to achieve and how you plan to get there. Even writing down your tasks on a calendar is a form of accountability. Getting into the practice of recording your progress and owning up to your shortcomings will motivate you to continue.
TIP: Find a goal buddy. This can be a friend, family member, or someone you know through social media. It will work better if you both have goals you want to accomplish. Use each other as motivation and accountability, as you won't want to let them down. Meet or talk on the phone one time each week and tell each other what goals you met that week and what you need to work on.
Recognize that you are the one who will benefit from these actions. You need to put in the work to change your life. Why not now?
TIP: If you're lacking motivation, visualize what your life will look like after you've achieved these goals.
Be proud of yourself no matter what. Even if you didn't meet your goal, you still put in the work and had the desire to change your life for the better. Embrace the fact that you still achieved something and reward yourself.
2022 is your year. Set those goals and change your life!
If you're a current student and you want someone to help hold you accountable, our Student Services Team is always here for you!