Tackling the Pressures of Accomplishing Goals

For many people, a new year usually means new goals (and for some, a “new me”). While creating goals isn’t so hard, executing them can be a challenge when the goals are overwhelming, rooted in perfection or unrealistic.

Here are a few strategies to manage the pressure:

Set Realistic and Meaningful Goals

Instead of broad goals such as “exercise more,” “read more,” and “spend less money on takeout,” tailor the goals to be more specific with well-defined (and also realistic) timelines. Setting specific and measurable goals make them purposeful and less daunting.

Break Goals Into Smaller Goals

Big goals can be intimidating. Breaking them down into smaller goals allows the goal to be more manageable and thus, attainable.

Prioritize Progress Over Perfection

We’ve all heard this before and as cliché as it may sound, it’s also very true. Goal-setting is best when we focus on progress including the small feats. When working towards progress, setbacks happen and should be embraced. We’re celebrating the small wins this year because they are just as important as the big ones.

Set Short and Long Term Goals

Long term goals provide direction and purpose. Short term goals keep us on track with gradual progress. Whether you’re setting long or short goals, the goals should be aligned to ensure you’re working towards a specific vision.

Give Yourself Grace

If you fall short of your goals or get completely sidetracked, this isn’t the time to attack yourself or defer the goal altogether. Embrace the setback and start fresh. Compassion for yourself reduces stress, anxiety and allows you refocus without feelings of guilt or shame.

Be Flexible

Life happens and sometimes not in the ways we want it to happen. Be flexible and adjust your goals accordingly. Maybe your goal was to save $5,000 by June, but a large and unexpected expense happened. Things happen and when they do, we have to pivot. 

Avoid Comparison

We all know that comparison is the thief of joy. It can lead to stagnation and self-loathing especially when you feel like everyone’s highlight reel on social media is full of well… highlights. Social media is meant to socialize, expand your network, or just doom scroll until you’ve lost some brain cells. Once you’ve found yourself comparing yourself to the highlights that others choose to post, take a step back. Your path is going to be different from the next person. That’s OK. You’re OK. You’re right where you need to be and with the right focus and mindsight, you’ll reach the goals you’ve set for yourself and not for the sake of keeping up with others.

 
Remember: Creating goals is easy. Sticking to them is the hard part. Practice compassion, flexibility, and pivot when necessary.