A new year means new possibilities, and if you are ready for bigger and better things in your life, you may be wondering how to attain them. It’s a common problem, as many people dream of improving their lives but come up short when they try to actually do it. They may want to achieve a better work/life balance, improve a relationship, or travel outside of the country. Below, let’s talk about some of the key ways that can help you go from “wishing” to “doing.”
To achieve your goals, have the right motivation
Your why is going to play a big role in whether or not you follow through on your 2023 vision. Why do you want to lose weight? Why do you want to find a new job? The road to doing so will likely not be easy, and you will probably hit obstacles along the way. Your specific reasons for wanting the change will keep you going when times get tough, so be sure you are properly motivated before you set out.
Bring your dream out of your head and onto paper
Goals that are written down are more likely to be accomplished than the ones that simply stay in your mind. If you have a journal or even just a Google doc, write down what you want to accomplish and put the date by it. By seeing your dream in writing, you will be more motivated to move forward with achieving it.
Brainstorm a list of ways to accomplish your goal
This is one of the hardest things to do: come up with the list of action steps that can lead to your goal being realized. Too often, we get stuck in the vision – just how great we will feel when we have lost 50 pounds or saved enough money for a vacation. While it’s important to see and internalize the end result, it will remain just a wish if it’s not backed by specific steps to take.
So, start at the beginning. What is the very first thing you must do to read one book a week? Go to the bookstore? Look over your “to be read” pile and choose a novel? Set aside time to read? Once you have finished that step, what’s next? Each one that you take will build a bridge between where you are now and where you want to be: at the finish line.
Make your goals measurable and specific
If you want to begin investing, that’s an excellent aim and can improve your financial outlook. More impactful, however, would be to say that you want to begin investing $2,000/month in September 2023. Even better, you want to begin investing it in index funds or some other option. You can also say that you will call a wealth advisor at the beginning of next week so that you can learn about something specific.
The more specific that you get, the sooner you will move yourself closer to your overall goal for 2023.
Hold yourself accountable
Some people like the buddy system: they tell a friend or family member about their goal, and that person helps them to stay on track to achieving it. Others rely on calendars and look at them often so they can measure how they are progressing. Whatever works for you, be sure to set up a system so that you keep yourself from backsliding.
Your takeaway if you want to achieve goals in 2023
Dream as big as you dare, but make sure you back it up with a realistic action plan. Once you set it in motion, stick with it each day, and check your progress frequently. It won’t be easy, but nothing in life that is worth accomplishing ever is. Good luck!
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