Keeping Goals Without The Stress
New Year’s resolutions are hard. One good way to avoid the stress from them is simply not making any. But assuming you’re not going to do that, here are some tips I think might help take some stress off of your shoulders.
Make realistic goals and make them step by step
Hey if you want to create a time machine, I don’t want to be the one to dash your hopes and dreams. But for those of us who are less scientifically inclined, let’s start small. Maybe you want to learn the guitar, or learn how to build a shelf. I find making tiny goals that add up to your big goal helps keep you motivated and it feels good to be able to check off so much! For example, let’s go with the learning guitar option. You could start with researching classes near you, then registering for a class, then buying a guitar, then practicing the guitar, and slowly but surely you’re learning to play!
Don’t self sabotage
I’m guilty of this, and I can feel when I’m about to, or doing it. When that happens I try to redirect my thinking and remind myself why I made the goal in the first place and why it’s important to me. Sometimes I don’t practice my singing because I procrastinate and it gets too late in the day and I’m tired, or I eat dairy which isn’t good for your vocal cords, etc. I try to make better choices so I can keep on track.
Give yourself enough time
I think it’s great to have a clear timeline of when you want to accomplish your goals in your head but remember, life happens. (As we all know too well.) I like to give myself way more than enough time to get stuff done. If I know I need to film a video for YouTube, I try to get props together two days before, so that way it’s already done way ahead of time and I can’t forget anything because past Katelynn already put them aside for future Katelynn who greatly appreciates it. (Thanks past me!) But in other cases, it can be helpful to set a timer.
It’s different for everyone. I know when I’m cleaning the house giving myself a time limit for each chore helps me get it done faster. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like cleaning and would rather get it done and over with.
Be kind to yourself
Mess-ups happen. You won’t always reach your goals and that’s ok. Don’t beat yourself up. Just because you can’t always do all the steps in the time you allot for yourself doesn’t mean you’ve ruined your chances of ever doing so. Sometimes it can even take years to reach a goal.
I’m just now getting back into singing lessons since being sick. I was declared in remission over a year ago but just wasn’t ready to start again. But now I’m in a better, healthier place and I’m ready to resume something I’m passionate about.
What about you? Is there anything you want to set goals for in the new year?
Warm wishes, Katelynn
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