TOP 3 REASONS WHY YOUR 2020 GOALS MIGHT NOT WORK!

It is almost the middle of January, how is your new year resolution going? Do you still have a 2020 vision? Have you been sticking to the plan? Do you have the same excuses you had last year? Or has things change, and you have no control over how to archive your goal. Yea, you know the hype won’t last. It was just another dream that you will chase next year or the one after that.

Are you one of those people who enthusiastically write down goals each year, or tell everyone what you hope to achieve by the end of the year but never follow through with your plans? You made enough effort in the first week, and by the second week, things started to change. You called it ‘change’, but in reality, it is just a bunch of excuses. All of a sudden, the time you thought you had, have been overshadowed by your busy schedule. The resources, you thought you had, are unattainable. The energy that supposed to give you the fuel to perform those tasks has vanished into thin air, and you have no reserve energy to bring it into existence.

Well, here is why your new year resolution plan never worked. It is because of how you set your goals from inception to execution. The moment you had the thought in your head, your motivations and your actions all determine whether your goals will be achieved or not. Setting and meeting a goal is not unrealistic. You do it every day. The reason why you have not been able to follow your new year resolution is because of you. You! are the problem. You have no faith in yourself. You realize no one will hold you accountable, so you put fewer efforts to achieve a goal you set.

As a student, you are constantly working on your goals. Each time you pick up a book to study, write an exam or attend a class, you are taking the necessary steps to pass a class and get a good grade. Each time you finished a project at work or put in extra effort to create something unique, you are working towards a goal of earning more income or earning a promotion.

You strive to archive those goals because of the pressure and consequences that they entail. You want to grow in your work position because someone else will replace you, or you will remain in that same position if you are just mediocre. You will not receive the financial benefits for your schooling, from your parents, or loaners if you are not attending school, or passing your classes. You will be stagnant in your development, and you will watch others move on without you if you don’t put the effort into your own development. So, because you are being monitored, and pressured and you believe in the future rewards, you push through. No matter how tired you are, you make it work. You can be the same person behind closed doors when no one is watching.

Do you want to achieve your 2020 goals? Let’s go back to your plan. Bring out your list or vision board. If you do not have one, maybe its time that you create one. Before you start doing anything, let’s look at the reasons why most new year resolution plan fails.

Reasons Why a New Year Resolution Plan Fails

We Forget

There is always something that drives us to do something. When you forget about that motivational factor that led to you wanting to make a change, it is easier to give up on your goals. Did you receive a scary test result? What kind of emotion did you feel at that moment? Go back to the exact time you decided to add that item to your list. Why did you make that evaluation? Remember how determined you felt? Sometimes, ‘time’ has a way of making us forget. As each day goes back, things seem more relaxed, the problem seems to have disappeared miraculously, and your memory seems to have gotten foggy as well. When the problem is no longer on the surface, we tend to forget about it. But guess what? You did not get rid of the problem. The problem is just dormant at the moment, and until you take action to get rid of it completely, it will always be there. So, go back to your list and remember why you put that goal on your list.

The Wrong Reason

When you set goals for the wrong reasons, it is easier to lose or give up on them. You have to be true to yourself always. Ask yourself why you want to set out this goal and answer the question out loud. Hear your voice and listen attentively to your words. What worked for Tom, Dick and Harry will not always work for you. If your goal is to impress others, have selfish or devious intentions, then your reason is already flawed. Take into consideration the recipient of your actions and how your actions will impact the receiver. If your goal is to be likable by your peers, then it is unrealistic. Instead, if your goal is to be more welcoming, based on the steps you will take, it might result in you being likable by your peers because you are welcoming. I hope I am making this clear. Whatever you want to achieve, will it be something that will bring joy, transform lives, or bring inner peace to you or others? People often feel motivated to take action on social causes or personal growth. If your actions are clear and have good intentions, go back to your list and start making your plans.

Unrealistic Plans

So, you wanted to lose weight because you want to start making healthy choices and live a healthy life? Well, that is fine, but it is also a very broad goal to set. Who will hold you accountable if you cheat on your diet or fail to exercise? What are the healthy choices you are talking about? How do you define a healthy life? A realistic plan will get rid of all the jargon and tailored a plan that will work best for the individual. List all the steps that you will take to archive your 2020 goals. Take into account your work, school, social life and family influence. Break down your goals into little goals on your timeline to make the task easier. For example, have one month, three months or nine months plan. A key benefit of repetition is that the action will become a habit.

Here is an example of how to set a goal.

  • Goal My goal is to lose my belly fat by the end of 2020.

  • Why– My belly bulges out when I wear certain clothes, and I don’t feel confident when I dress up.

  • Who is the recepient? Me.

  • Plan 775 sit-ups per month starting in Januar

  • Step 1: 25 sit-up per day

  • Backup step: 175 sit-ups per week. Spread across the week with days that will work well with my schedule. Days will vary, but by the end of the week, I should achieve 175 sit up in total. (This will accommodate any unplanned situations)

As you review your list, rewrite your goals, if possible. Simplify your actions into actionable tasks. Create a timeline and a backup plan for each goal. Take baby steps and continue your journey to a better you. Share this post with someone you care about so they can reach their 2020 goals. Do you have tips I didn’t mention? Please share your tips on the comment box. 2020 is your year of greatness!

Written by: Francess Cowan

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