The Power of Goal Setting: How to Set Goals that Stick with a SMART Twist

Hey there, goal-getters!

It’s that time of the year again - the time we prepare to usher in the new year.  The time we leave the past behind and prepare for what's to come.  And what do we all feel compelled to do??? That's right - SET SOME GOALS!  We all think about goal setting, but sometimes we get stuck in the minutia of it all.  If that’s you, let's discuss!  Whether you're dreaming of writing that first novel, meditating daily, losing weight/starting better habits or creating beautiful art that expresses your true self, having a clear path is key to making it happen. Setting goals not only gives us direction but adds a spark of excitement to our lives. It's like planting seeds for our dreams and watching them grow into something truly amazing. 

But here's the real question: how do you set goals that actually work? And, more importantly, how do you stay motivated to achieve them? Enter SMART goals!

The SMART Criteria: Making Your Goals... Well, Smart

SMART isn’t just catchy acronym – it's your guide to achieving big (or small!) dreams. Let’s talk about what each letter stands for. 

S: Specific – Get super clear about what you want. "Journal more" becomes “Every night set aside 20 mins to write in my journal”

M: Measurable – How will you know you're moving forward? Track your progress! Instead of "Lose weight," try “Lose 2 lbs/month.”

A: Achievable – Make realistic goals. If you're juggling life, work, and self-care, maybe aim to work out for 20 minutes daily rather than an hour!

R: Relevant – Ask yourself: Does this goal align with your deeper desires? If mental health is a priority, setting a goal like journaling or practicing mindfulness could excite and motivate you.

T: Time-bound – Give yourself a deadline. Not "in time," but “by the end of this year” or “in the next two weeks, or even set a date: MM/DD/YYYY.”

So…what do you think?  Doable, right?

Setting Goals Matters

Think about it like this: goals give your life direction. They keep you from feeling like you're flailing in the wind and gives your dreams structure. Consider goals as stepping stones. Without them, you might walk in circles; with them, you’re moving forward toward your vision of the best version of you. And trust me, there’s no better feeling than checking off a goal, am I right?

It’s not just about that warm fuzzy feeling, though. Setting goals also helps you:

- Stay focused on what matters.

- Prioritize your time and energy.

- Track progress and celebrate victories (big or small).

- Keep your mental health in check by reducing overwhelm.

So, what's the trick to staying motivated? (Even When Life Gets Messy)

Okay, we all know it: staying motivated can be tough. There will be days when Netflix calls your name, or life just feels extra. But don’t worry, I’ve got a few  tips to keep you motivated while crushing your goals:

1. Break it Down: Ever heard the saying “there’s only one way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time.”  Big goals are overwhelming, but breaking them into smaller, bite-sized tasks? That’s the key. Plus, checking off mini-goals gives you an extra boost of motivation!

2. Celebrate Every Win: Stuck to your daily 30 minute walk for the whole month? Treat yourself to a little something, it could be anything that makes you happy - your favorite dessert, some new workout clothes, or a spa day.

3.Find Your ‘Why’: What’s driving you? If your goal is aligned with your passion – like creating beauty and spreading positivity through art or music – you'll stay more motivated. Connect with that deeper reason often.

4. Surround Yourself with Positivity:  Create a space where you feel inspired. Maybe it's a corner filled with inspiring images, a playlist of uplifting tunes, or some personal affirmations reminding you why you started. 

5. Visualize the Finish Line:  Picture what life will look like once you've achieved your goal. How will you feel? What will you celebrate? (Hint: it’ll feel amazing!)

6. Stay Flexible: Life happens. If you hit a bump, adjust rather than quit. It’s okay to pivot and reset timelines as long as you're still moving forward. There’s no limit to the number of times you can restart.  If you fall off, pick yourself up, reset and restart.  Just don’t quit.

You can do this!!

The road to achieving your goals might have a few twists and turns, but that’s the beauty of life! Now that you understand the SMART criteria, once you think about your purpose, and find a sprinkle of motivation, you are ready to make your dreams a reality. 

Remember, every word you write and every step you take toward self-care and mindfulness is a win. Goals aren't just about the end result – they’re about the journey and the amazing things you learn about yourself along the way.

So, what’s your next goal? Whether it’s creative, personal, or just about finding more peace in your day, write it down in one of your favorite Whisper and Harmony spiral notebooks and start taking those baby steps today.

Now go out there and make it happen! 🌸 Let me know in the comments how it goes.....