How to Set Goals and Stick to Them

What defines a goal?

Something you wish you had? Something someone else has that you admire? Something that will make you feel better on the inside?

Goals are such a funny thing as they really can be, well, just about anything and everything.

When wrapping up 2016 and beginning to plan for 2017, I decided to sit down and write a list of goals for the new year. Typically I write a list of resolutions each year that will help better my career, health and relationships, but this year I decided to do something a little different.

While 2016 was a year I will never forget (engagement, puppy, new business, I still can’t wrap my head around it all), it’s also a year that I barely got to take in. With so many exciting things happening and trying to take my new business and blog to the next level, I barely had time to breathe at moments. I resorted to constant multi-tasking and moving so quickly that I wash’t comprehending what was even happening in front of me. I got to a point where I didn’t know how to do only one thing at a time or how to enjoy the moment. So this year I decided I would make goals for the new year and no, not goals of “gain more followers”, “write a new business plan”, “make more money”, “loose all my doughnut and champagne weight from the last post“, etc. but instead ones that would help me enjoy the moment and open my eyes to new experiences and people.

I kept them short and broad so that I could keep an open mind as to when opportunities came about or I discovered things that seemed fitting but I thought I would share them with you in case you’re still looking to do something a little different this year vs. the typical new years resolutions.

Goals for 2017

Join a group/club to meet new people.
Get involved with activities that give back.
Make time for things that matter.

Easy enough, right? I sure hope so.

I’m sharing how I’m making sure I stick with these goals and how you can make sure to stick with yours too, below.

How to Stick With Your Goals

Write them down. Everyday I write in planner “Make Time” so I remember to put a little time aside each day to sit back and enjoy the moment. Whether that’s hoping on the phone with a friend/family to catch up or taking Rosie for a walk without my phone.
Make an effort. It’s easy to say you’ll do something but it’s not so easy to actually do it. Putting forth an effort to achieve your goals is key. Maybe you do a google search on groups that you can join or ask a co-worker how they got involved with a certain club/community.
Be open to new opportunities. Always keep an open mind. Whenever asked to get coffee, (schedule pending) I always try my best to do so. You never know who you could meet and what opportunity it could lead to.
Use the buddy system. When all else fails, grab a friend, boyfriend, co-worker or whomever and ask them to join you at the new soup kitchen you’re volunteering at or the tennis league you joined. Having Steve not only as a partner but also as a supportive best friend is my saving grace. He’s always up to try new things with me and join me at events. Next weekend we’re attending the 2017 Snowball hosted by the Junior Council, an affiliated organization of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. It’s an event I’ve been dreaming of going to since moving to the city and one that supports a wonderful cause so I am so excited to be attending this year.