5 ways to make new year goals more achievable

A new year always seems to focus your mind, looking forward, making plans…I’ve never been one for resolutions but over recent years I have definitely felt the value of setting goals; thinking about what I would like to get done and areas I would like to be intentional about. I tend to be a bit of a drifter, ticking my way through my days and the things I would like to get done often get pushed back; so setting goals – monthly, weekly or daily, help me to work through my to-do lists and stop getting overwhelmed by all I haven’t done!

I have loved looking at all the fab bullet journals and those people that use them so amazingly and creatively. There is such method in getting through the daily chores!

For the messy minded like me I found it such a help. Here’s how…

1. Split the parts of your life into areas the make them more manageable – marriage, family, work, household etc. I found breaking down into sections like this meant it was easier to think of what I want to focus on for each area. And somehow more manageable.

2. Keep the goals simple. They might be something you might want to achieve in a month – like decluttering a room or something you want to do every week, like a card game with your family after Friday tea. Whatever you choose, keep it simple.

3. Be positive. I love the quote by CS Lewis, ‘There are far, far better things ahead than any that you have left behind.’ I tend to be a nostalgic at heart and to think that the changes the years bring are tinged with sadness that the current stage is coming to an end. I have to try and keep focusing on the loveliness of each stage and how being present in the moment is better than reminiscing how good it used to be. Keep your goals positive and things you would like to do, don’t berate yourself for the things you don’t do or find difficult.

4. Write it down. Or tell a friend. Something to make you accountable and reflect on the choices you have made. I like to flick back through my diary and see what I have written..it tends to focus my mind. Keep it simple, make it pretty…whatever suits you – but get it down or chat it over, you’re more likely to get it done!

5. Leave room for change. Be kind to yourself. If something isn’t working out or you find your goal changes, that is completely ok! This is your gig, you don’t need to plan around someone else’s agenda. These goals are for you to be more content within yourself, not for anyone else to mark you or assess you on.

These are a few ways I have found that have helped. I am big on writing things down, in part because I don’t get them done otherwise or simply too scatterbrained to remember! If you have any other ways of tackling the new year I’d love to hear or come find me on Instagram at @gatheredthreads.

Happy new year my lovely friends.

xx