NEWSFLASH: You do NOT have to have your entire list of goal-writing set by the stroke of 12:01 AM on January 1st.

The Goal-Writing Struggle.

Is anyone else struggling with their 2020 goal setting? Let me set the record straight – setting goals is extremely important. Without clear and specific goals in place, it is easy to get swept up in the day-to-day and end up living a life where you’re simply reacting to what’s happening to you with no clear direction.

With that said, this year, I’ve felt overwhelmed by the idea of creating my goals and vision for 2020. 2019 was a year full of change and transition. I moved from Los Angeles to Dallas, experienced major burnout and left my career after six years with the same company, started a new business, spent three weeks in Europe, and completely shifted every aspect of my life. Even though most of these changes were positive, the idea of inviting MORE change feels paralyzing. Perhaps, for this reason, the idea of goal-writing this year has felt more overwhelming than ever.

If you can relate or have struggled to identify your goals for this year, follow this simple step-by-step process to help you discover what is most important to you and create an achievable action plan.

Step 1: Consider who you want to BE, before focusing on what you want to DO.

Take the time to reflect on WHO you want to BE. We all have something about ourselves that we wish we could improve upon. Perhaps you want to be less impulsive with your finances… or move past the crutch of emotional eating… or finally, find a way to be consistent with your workouts. Whatever your desire is, pull out a piece of paper (or your phone) and write out who you want to be. Use the statement “I AM…” and complete the sentence to create a vision for who you want to be at the end of 2020. This will help to put you into the right headspace to focus on the goals that will support the version of yourself that you want to BECOME.

Step 2: Create Micro Goals

Create micro, short-term goals that are focused on small wins. 

For example, if your goal is “to become the healthiest version of yourself,” your micro goal is what is going to get you there. What are the small daily habits that will help you achieve your larger goal? Perhaps this is drinking hot lemon water (my favorite) each morning? Or changing the time that you workout from the evening to each morning to ensure that you don’t let the day (and your workout) get away from you? When goal-writing, every little one counts.

When it comes to your health, I caution from creating micro goals that are tied to a specific number on the scale (i.e. lose 10 pounds). Your micro goals should not encourage you to do something extreme (and ultimately unhealthy) to accomplish them. Focus on the feeling that you will have by consistently executing your micro goals. If you focus too much on a specific number, you may find after losing eight of the ten pounds, you feel defeated that you didn’t lose the last two and neglect how far you’ve come. When you feel defeated, it can feel nearly impossible to overcome that negativity and stay focused!  

Step 3: Write it Down.

Now that you’ve identified who you want to BE in 2020 and created your micro goals, it’s time to put them into ACTION. If you tuck away your goals into a notebook that you rarely see, your goals and your focus will slowly fade away. Write them somewhere that you’ll see every day. Frame them and keep them on your desk. Write them on your mirror with a dry erase marker. Keep the list in your car where you’ll see it during your daily commute. Whatever works best for you.

Step 4: Have a “Check-In” Date.

Because the idea of accomplishing major, lofty goals feels like a lot to me this year, I’m setting a quarterly check-in date with myself. Create a reminder and save it in your phone. Share the date with a friend and check in with one another because accountability is EVERYTHING. During your “check-in,” focus on how far you’ve come and celebrate your accomplishments! Now reset and take your micro goals to the next level. Creating a new goal that is a challenge, but still attainable is key. This will keep your momentum and motivation strong all year long!

Heading into 2020, what are some of your micro goals?  Share them below!