How to Achieve Your Goals in 2020

How many times have you set out new year’s resolutions for yourself and before you know it, it’s February and the list you made is stuffed somewhere in the bottom of a drawer you never look in. This is quite common, and it’s usually because we don’t create realistic goals for ourselves. We usually think of a broad goal or change, and we don’t plan out how to achieve it.

If you’re looking for help on how to achieve your goals in 2020, our tips below will help you. Keep reading to learn how to act on your new year’s resolutions, keep motivated, and see results.

This year, it’s time to stop the cycle of making resolutions and not keeping them. Instead of calling them resolutions, think of them as goals. 

 

1. Set SMART goals 

The best way to start planning your goals for 2020 is to set SMART goals for yourself. SMART refers to: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic (or Relevant), Time-Bound. While this sounds very scholarly and intense, it doesn’t have to be. You can make it fun! Here are the steps to setting SMART goals.

 

Be specific.

A good goal is a specific goal. Think of this as the who, what, when, where, why and how of your goal. Be specific with what you want, why, when you want it and how you’ll achieve it.

 

Make sure it’s measurable.

Make sure to include amounts, dates, and other measurable things in your plan. If your overall goal is to save money in 2020, include the specific amount of money you want to save. If you’re specific, you can measure your progress as the year goes by.

 

Set attainable goals.

The worst part about setting goals for the new year is when you set out goals that aren’t realistic. You can set ambitious goals; you just have to break them up into attainable steps for yourself. Keep in mind your routine, your time, and your day to day when setting your goals. While ambitious, you want to make sure they’re realistic for you.

 

Be realistic.

You should plan a goal that is realistic for you. Let’s use the money saving goal as an example again. If you spend $15 on coffee and breakfast a day every single day, it’s realistic to begin by cutting that down to only two or three days a week for the first few months. Slowly, you will get to once or twice a week. It’s realistic to slowly achieve your goal and be realistic with what you are asking of yourself. If you go cold turkey, likely, you won’t continue.

 

Set timely goals.

Lastly, make a deadline for your goal. It’s an important way for you to keep yourself accountable. Plus, it’s good for you to have a time in the back of your head for when you can celebrate! 

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2. Put your Goal into Writing

Once you have understood your 2020 goals, write it down – the act of writing down your goals make it real. It makes your goal something tangible. You can put your goal in your journal or you can put it on your desk so you look at it every morning. Everyone is different – even if you never look at it again, the act of writing it out makes it more tangible than before. 

 

3. Create a Plan of Action 

This step may sound obvious but it can easily be forgotten. Once you have your end goal written out, you must write out all of the steps you need to take to get there. Once you write all of the steps down, you can keep going back and checking each step off as you complete it.  

 

4. Share your Goals with Someone

You don’t have to do this, but some find it helpful. You can share your goal with someone close to you. Whether it’s a partner, a close friend, a parent, a sibling, or your therapist – it can be good to tell someone. The act of telling someone your goal is a vulnerable one. You are putting it into the world and now have someone to support you and help you follow your journey. If you are serious about reaching your goals, this is a great way to keep accountability throughout 2020.

 

5. Don’t give up (and don’t be afraid to revise)

Don’t be scared to revise and refine your goals as the year goes on. One of the number one reasons new year’s goals don’t stick is because people give up. Just because you don’t achieve your goal within one or two months, doesn’t mean it’s a flop. It’s okay to sit down and revise your goal to fit your lifestyle. It’s all about trial and error. Don’t forget – goal setting is a marathon, not a race! 

It’s easy to be super motivated at the beginning of a new year, but it is hard to stay motivated throughout. But, If you follow the SMART goal technique and the rest of the tips above, you’ll be on your way to a successful goal filled 2020. Take some time before 2020 rolls around to plan out what you want out of the year and make sure you are making a goal that you want to achieve.

 

We at Robertson wish you a happy and successful 2020! If you’re looking for ways to enhance your productivity moving into the new year, check out our handy tips on how to be more productive in 2020.