Achieve Lasting Change: Goals & Habits

The new year is often a time for reflection and setting ambitious goals. We vow to hit the gym, reduce toxins in your home, finally start that skincare routine, or eat healthier. But let’s be honest, how many of those resolutions actually last beyond February?

The key to achieving lasting change isn’t just about setting goals, it’s about creating sustainable habits. And that requires flexibility and a willingness to adjust along the way.

1. Set Realistic & Specific Goals:

• Ditch the vague: Instead of “eat healthier,” aim for “focus on high protein meals, or eating breakfast 3 times a week.”

• Break it down: Large goals can feel overwhelming. Divide them into smaller, more manageable steps.

• Focus on behavior, not outcomes: Instead of “lose 10 pounds,” focus on “walk for 30 minutes every day or use a step tracker and set a manageable goal and increase by 1k steps each month until you are at 10k steps.”

2. Start Small & Build Momentum:

• Don’t try to do everything at once. Choose one or two new habits to focus on initially.

• Consistency is key. Small, daily actions are more effective than infrequent, intense efforts.

• Celebrate small wins! Acknowledge and reward yourself for every step you take towards your goals.

3. The Power of Micro-Goals:

• Micro-goals are tiny, achievable steps that move you closer to your larger goal.

  • For example, if your goal is to read a book a month, a micro-goal could be “read 10 pages every day.”

  • If you want to run a 5k, a micro-goal could be “run for 5 minutes without stopping.”

  • If you’re wanting to be consistent with your routine, tie it to a stable one. For example, while you’re brushing your teeth add on washing your face.

• Celebrate each micro-goal! This provides consistent positive reinforcement and keeps you motivated.

4. Check-in & Adjust:

• Life happens! Things come up that can derail your best-laid plans. It’s ok, set a goal to get back to it.

• Regularly review your progress. Are you on track, how will you know? Are your goals still relevant? How are you measuring them? I use a planner and check in monthly on specific goals.

• Don’t be afraid to adjust. If a goal isn’t working, try a different approach. It’s also good to check-in on your progress to see if the goal needs to be adjusted.

• Be kind to yourself. Setbacks are inevitable. Learn from them and get back on track.

5. Find Your Support System:

• Share your goals with friends or family. Having a support system is proven to increase your accountability.

• Consider joining a group or finding a mentor. You’re welcome here any time.

• Look for online communities related to your goals. Most cities have groups like RAW (Real Authentic Women).

Remember:

• Focus on creating sustainable habits, not just achieving a specific outcome. Search the articles here for more ideas on habits.

• Be patient and persistent. You can do this, you’re worthy of taking time for yourself.

• Celebrate your progress every step of the way. Leave your celebrations in the comments so we can join in too!

This year, let’s make our resolutions more than just empty promises. Let’s create lasting change by setting realistic goals, breaking them down into smaller steps, and adjusting our approach as needed. You’ve got this!

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.