New Goals, New Habits, New Year, New Decade, New You!
As we step into a new year and a new decade we often set goals. Some goals are big, hairy, and audacious, while others are minor or smaller and help us achieve the later. We often then reflect on our failures and successes from the past and look into where we expect to see ourselves in the future.
It is nearly impossible for us to grow without reflection. When doing so it is important for us as imperfect creatures to review how we have spent our time and dedicated ourselves to these desires. Now we are able to see what actions have hindered us and what have fueled us. Some of us may throw in the towel, call it quits, and toss that intention to the wayside, while others may use this reflection to push ourselves harder in the year to come.
Regardless of where you are in relation to where you want to be, these 5 tips to tackle your goals in 2020 can be used as a guide or a simple reminder of how to achieve your goals.
Whether your goals are professional or personal, follow these steps to accomplish them and build momentum through the first year of the new decade.
Break the chains holding you back
It is no secret that each of us may have a vice or two that has prevented us from completing our goals. Some times it is an outside force, and more often than not it is an internal enemy that has hindered your progression toward a goal. The first step here is to acknowledge the what and then the second is to remove it. Acknowledge this person, place, or thing, and take the necessary steps to eliminate it.
Develop a growth mindset
A "growth mindset" is a tendency to believe that you can grow. It is a mindset that thrives on challenges and see failures as lessons for extending our abilities rather than evidence of unintelligence. According to Standford psychologist Carol Dweck "The growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. Although people may differ in every which way in their initial talents and aptitudes, interest, or temperaments, everyone can change and grow through application and experience"
Here are 25 ways to develop a growth mindset:
Find comfort in the uncomfortable
Although it may seem as no secret to some, growth does not happen in comfortable places. You must take risks, step out of what feels comfortable, and push yourself in ways you have not before. For those whose goals are physical, you must get uncomfortable, sweaty, and out of breath to build that endurance, lose some weight, or bench press a heavier set. Breaking a habit, taking on a new risk, or initiating conversation may be uneasy or exhausting, but it will be rewarding.
Practice positivity
That woman in your office who is constantly merry and bright was not born that way. In fact, as humans we often think with a glass half empty mentality and only through practice can we change that way of thinking. She is actively applying positivity through practice. One of my favorite ways to get into the positive mindset is to listen to Oprah Winfrey's Super Soul Sunday Podcast. For me it is the journey of becoming more connected to the deeper world around me that allows me to see "light" rather than "darkness" when faced with adversity. Through practice and conditioning your thoughts, you will find yourself seeing the glass half full more often than half empty.
Cultivate passionate energy
It is no secret that passion is the light at the end of the tunnel. It is the fuel that pushes you towards your goal. It is the reason you want it and it will be the reason you achieve it. When you are passionate about something you feel an internal flame burning for it and reward in doing it. Are you passionate about this goal? If you aren't in it to win it, there is simply no way you can achieve it. Now that you have cultivated passionate energy, find a way to keep the flame lit regardless of how far or close you are to achieving your goal.
There is so much opportunity in and around you to achieve your 2020 goals. Whether old or new, these goals must be important to you. Find your passion, break away from bad habits, and get uncomfortable. In turn you will find yourself soaring to new heights and accomplishing these goals. Get ready for great things to happen as a result of your desire and commitment.
Share these tips to tackle your goals with your coworkers, family, and friends. Through accountability and community, anything is possible.