Setting Realistic Goals

We’re almost halfway through 2023! It’s common to start feeling unmotivated by this time of the year. You may be someone who followed New Year’s traditions by creating life altering resolutions back in January. If so, you have found yourself in the reality of life becoming a bit too busy to achieve the huge goals you created almost 6 months ago.

It’s important to understand how to set goals that will leave you feeling empowered rather than goals that leave you feeling defeated.

Instead of following suit and setting a random goal for yourself, you should take some time to consider what you deserve from yourself. Here are a few tips that will help you set goals that allow you to follow through and see the results at the finish line.

Make your goal realistic.
Take a minute to evaluate your life. If you’re a mom with multiple kids that works long hours and is the biggest fan at your kiddo’s baseball games 4 nights of the week, you may not be successful in setting time consuming goals. Your lifestyle plays the biggest factor in whether or not you’ll reach the goals you place in front of yourself. Think small. What small goals will make a difference in your life? Start there and eventually you’ll be reaching so many small goals that the results will be huge.

Set goals you’ll enjoy.
I would be unsuccessful in setting a goal for myself to become a runner. Running is not enjoyable for me. I would probably give up in the first week. You’ll find a lot more joy in the process if you devote your time to something you know you’ll enjoy. Most people end up giving up on their goals so soon because they create a negative relationship with their goals by continuously failing. Do yourself a favor and make it fun!

Don’t keep your goals a secret.
If you share your goals with the people who love and support you the most, they can help keep you motivated. You’re also holding yourself accountable by saying your goals out loud and allowing others to hold you accountable. I think a great way to be reminded of your goals is to write them on a sticky note and put them somewhere you will see them every day.

Track your success.
This is where you get to brag about yourself a bit! Whatever goal you set, plan to take a daily, weekly, or even monthly evaluation on the progress you’ve made. This can feel empowering and keep you motivated as you continue to work toward your goal.

If the resolutions you set in January aren’t working, allow yourself to try a different route. In order to make a positive change in your life, no matter how big or small, you have to trust yourself as you work toward whatever it is that will help you become the best version of yourself. 

Sidney Howard, Outreach Coordinator

Sidney Howard is an Outreach Coordinator at The Kim Foundation. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology from Midland University, where she was an Event Coordinator for four years. Sidney has previous experience in behavioral health, working with youth and adults in direct care settings. Sidney is passionate about raising awareness around mental health and providing support and resources. She joined the foundation in January of 2023 and currently focuses on outreach through presentations, events, and relations.