Setting goals so your resolutions work for you

Well, we’re already a week into January and many of us will have already blown our New Year Resolutions! A multitude of things could have got in the way - a lack of time, too little planning, bad communications or day-to-day routines – but the underlying cause is that we don't set goals.

Resolutions are doomed to fail because deep down we know there’s a very good chance they won’t happen – our objectives aren’t based on a clear assessment of what we are doing right, and what we could improve on. We need to set goals, to regularly check on those goals and to put the structure around them that ensures that they don’t just become another “things to do” list.

We’ve found these five simple points are really helpful when setting goals - and also in keeping our resolutions! 

1. Give yourself a timeline

A timeline can make goals seem achievable. It will help you to put a plan in motion, evaluate your progress, and ultimately see your goals realised.

2. Be specific

Be specific about a goal and make it concrete. For example, ‘losing weight’ doesn’t really give you something specific to aim for. If however your goal is to lose a particular amount of weight in a specified time through the improvement of your diet (by reducing your blood sugars) and increasing your exercise, you’ve really got something to go for.

3. Keep your friends and family informed

Regular conversations are a great opportunity to discuss your progress and to share any concerns, questions or feedback. If you need extra support, they will help you find it. It’s also a good way to ensure long-term goals and strategies are kept to the forefront of your mind.

4. Be realistic

Goal setting is essential providing you are realistic about your targets. Unattainable goals only lead to disappointment so regularly reviewing your long-term goals and taking stock of what worked and what didn’t allows you to adjust your goals accordingly.

5. Time for you

A healthy work-life balance demands time out. All work and no play is a recipe for mental and physical disaster. If you have trouble freeing up time to do the things you enjoy, diary some regular time to "meet with yourself" and stick to it.

In short, making resolutions is the easy part. Keeping them is tougher but with realistic, actionable and attainable goals by the end of 2023 you may find all the boxes ticked