Plan to Crush Your 2019 Goals

With 2019 right around the corner, many of us have likely spent some time reflecting on 2018 and thinking about the year to come.  With goal setting season upon us, I wanted to share a few thoughts to keep in mind when preparing to crush your 2019 goals.

Start with something only slightly out of your reach 

Making a change doesn’t mean that it has to be life-changing from the get-go.  Start small.  Don’t make it too difficult.  It has been documented that humans experience peak motivation when working on tasks that are right on the edge of their current abilities.  Think – not too hard, not too easy, but just right!  For example, if meal planning is on your list of things to implement this year, don’t go from 0 to 100 with your planning.  If this is something new for you, start with committing to planning out two days a week and increasing once you are consistently meeting your goal.  This way you stay within your peak motivation sweet spot and will be a meal plan pro by the end of the year.

Progress at your own pace

Just because your best friend is the type of person who goes all-in with her new healthy habits doesn’t mean that you have to be the same.  If you know yourself, and you know that small changes suit your style, you do you! It is great to have friends with similar goals to help keep you accountable (see below), but don’t beat yourself up if you progress at different paces.  Whether you are progressing fast or slow, you are still progressing.  Notice that and celebrate your wins just the same.

Share your goals and your progress

This can be huge.  It is always more fun embarking on a journey with the support of family and friends.  Not to mention, telling people about your goals also provides a group of people to help keep you accountable.  Your friends and family love you and will feel honored that you want them to be a part of your journey.

Make them S.M.A.R.T

There is a big difference is saying “2019 is going to be my most healthy year yet” and “in 2019 I will take control of my health by exercising 3x per week and planning out my meals weekly so that I can improve my diet”.  When goal setting for 2019, make your goals S.M.A.R.T – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely.

Get started

Whatever your goals are for 2019, they can’t be attained if you don’t start working towards them.  Even if you aren’t 100% ready, just START, you won’t regret it.

I hope that everyone enjoys a safe and happy New Year’s Eve and I look forward to seeing you all in 2019!

Cheers,

Bess @ Live Simple Eat Well