This time of year, it’s very easy to fall trap to the ‘new year, new me’ marketing often used by brands to push their fitness, lifestyle, weight loss or organisation products onto you. You may even begin to question what about you needs to change, or improve, and that’s totally understandable – but remember – if you’re happy, and healthy and content, it’s more than okay to continue living your life EXACTLY how it is.

Set goals

Resolutions tend to be black and white, all or nothing, and can set you up to feel like a failure if you stray from your original intention. If you do have something you’d like to achieve, or do differently, read on! This blog is a guide to staying away from the sensationalized expectations of the New Year, and setting yourself some clever, attainable goals.

Number of 2019 to 2021 on stones footpath - goals

  1. Goals should be ‘SMART’.

This doesn’t mean they need to make good sense to others, or fit into what society tells you your goals should be. Setting ‘SMART’ goals ensures they are

  • Specific,
  • Measurable,
  • Achievable,
  • Relevant
  • Time-bound.

Basically, there’s no point setting a goal for yourself that you can’t measure, that’s not going to positively effect your life, and that has no end time on it! Pick something that is going to make you feel better about life and yourself. Relevance is key – otherwise, where is your motivation going to come from!?

  1. Allow yourself some small wins

If your goal is big, set some smaller goals along the way so you can celebrate wins or simply acknowledge your progress. This is one of the most inspiring and motivational things you can do when working towards a goal. Don’t be too hard on yourself, kindness is key – don’t expect more from yourself than you would from someone you really care about. And every time you achieve something, ask yourself – how would you celebrate this success for someone else? Treat yourself in the same way.

Hand putting print screen dart and target board wooden cube on up arrows. Setting goals of investment and business concept.

  1. Frame it positively

Try to set yourself goals using positive language. So instead of ‘I want to stop eating sugar this year’, try ‘I will make healthier/sugar free choices wherever possible’. Words are powerful and the way we frame things, both for ourselves and others, is worth considering.

  1. Write your goals down.

Journaling is an effective way to understand your motivation and challenges on the way to any goal or objective. Write your goals down, and then record your progress in the same way! It’s a great way to keep yourself accountable and inspire you to keep going when you come across obstacles along the way.

Woman's hand writing 2021 Goals in notebook decorated with Christmas decorations on the tricolor background. Top view, flat lay

  1. Be accountable to someone

A goal is often more achievable if you are working on it along side someone with the same aspirations. We are much more likely to stick to our word if we are accountable to someone else. Even if they aren’t along for the ride, sharing your goal with someone you trust can help to motivate you to success! Remember, if you ask someone to help with keeping you on track, you have to be willing to receive their feedback graciously – sometimes they may have to tell you something you don’t want to hear.

We would love to hear some of your goals for the year – and to be honest, if your goal is to make it through 2021, however that looks, taking one day at a time.. We totally understand! 2020 definitely taught us that sometimes plans go out the window and learning to be okay with that can be a goal in itself. It can definitely be said that the most peaceful and calm people are sometimes those without a plan at all.

We at The Westport Club wish you a year of happiness, health and achievement – no matter what your goals are!