Steps to Achieving Your Goals

Recap From 2025 Goals Newsletter

Step 1 – Review & Assess 2024

Review the goals you achieved in 2024 and consider what you might want to revisit.

Step 2 – Choose 1 Goal for Quarter 1

Choose 1 goal that you would like to pursue during the first 3 months of 2025.

Step 3 – Start Where You Are

Start from where you currently are and don’t worry if you feel anxious or nervous. We are going to take steps forward and adjust along the way. This is also a learning experience and making course corrections is expected.

Step 4 – Goal Subcategories

You want to first break your large goal into subcategories and then sub-subcategories. Do this in a way that makes sense to you. Make them manageable knowing that you can adjust them along the way.

For Example: If you goal is to lose 20 pounds and get toned and fit, your subcategories might be as follows.

Nutrition

• Reduce processed foods

• Reduce sugar intake

• Eat 1 vegetable a day

• Eat 1 fruit a day

Water

• Drink 24 oz clean water a day

Supplements

• Research healthy supplements

• Start by taking a couple a day

Exercise

• Walk 15 minutes a day

• Weight train 4x a week

Step 5 – Schedule & Track Progress

Accomplishing goals starts with identifying where you want to start and then scheduling mini-goals every day. It is also important to track your progress. Take some to schedule your daily tasks on your calendar and/or a spreadsheet. Check them off as you go. Studies have shown that checking items off of a “to do” list gives us a boost of dopamine…and that leads us to motivation.

Step 6 – Motivation & Reward

There are many ways to keep ourselves motivated. One way, mentioned above, is to check items off of a list. This can be a handwritten list on your refrigerator, a white board, or an excel spreadsheet. We get a boost of dopamine every time we check something off.

Many people like to tackle their goals with a friend who has a similar goal. The buddy system is great for keeping each other motivated and accountable.

I also like to reward myself when I complete a task that I am procrastinating on. I also use positive self-talk to help keep myself encouraged.

Step 7 – Keep Going!

Remember the saying – when the going gets tough, the tough get going? Well, when you don’t feel like doing your scheduled mini-goals, just remember your commitment to yourself and just keep going. You will be glad you did.

Step 8 – Make Adjustments

As you start working on your new goals, remember that you should make adjustments along the way. If something isn’t working, then modify it. If you reach a plateau on one of your mini-goals, you can adjust it to be more challenging. Remember—there is always another level so keep going and improve along the way!

Step 9 – Affirmations

Affirmations are a great way to encourage and support yourself along your journey to reaching your goals. Below are some you might want to try.

Take 3 deep, long, slow breaths from your tummy (not your chest) and say out loud

“I am a powerful creator”

“I am excited about creating and reaching my chosen goals”

“I am calm and free to make adjustments as I go along”

“I am encouraged by the progress that I know I am going to make”

“I am strong and devoted to my personal progress”

“I am glad to be on this journal of self-improvement”

Thank You!