Well, it’s that time again! Another year over (sooo long 2020) and a new one just begun. Which means it’s time to set goals and make plans for what you want to achieve in 2021.

Notice I didn’t say “It’s time to make New Year’s Resolutions”? There’s a reason for that. Resolutions. Don’t. Work.

I mean sure – they’re a great ideal, nice to think about and fun to write. But in reality, according to a research study out of the University of Scanton only 8% of people actually follow through with their New Year’s resolutions.

Not good odds.

However fear not, I’m about to share with you my method for achieving what you want in 2021.

Step 1: Set clear and decisive goals

Eat healthier, exercise more, drink less, read more, smoke less, earn more, spend less, meditate more, work less, travel more. These are all fantastic goals to have, but none of them are clear and actionable. To narrow your focus and focus your energy I recommend picking just one goal (either for the year or the quarter), determining the result and defining a yardstick for it’s completion. 

Let’s be super clear on that. You need to name the result you want to achieve, state your timeframe and identify the evidence you’ll use as proof of your success.

My goal is to ____________________ by ___________________. I will know I have achieved this goal because _____________________________.

Step 2: Like your reasons

Let’s face it, working towards a goal is not easy. Otherwise you’d be out taking on the world, instead of reading this article. In order to stay motivated, focussed and on task you need to like your reasons for wanting to achieve your goal.

Stay with me on this one.

Have you ever heard of a concept called the Arrival Fallacy? Essentially it’s the mistaken belief that once we achieve our goal or reach our destination we will then finally feel happy/worthy/confident/successful <insert your positive emotion here>. 

Sorry to break it to you, but that’s not the case and I think many of us start to realise that along the way. Which is why over time we start to lose interest in our goal and come up with reasons as to why it’ll be OK if we deviate from our goal and don’t stick with our plans.

For this reason it’s important to like your reasons for choosing your goal. Are you losing weight just so you’ll feel better about yourself next time you see your sister-in-law? If so, chances are that ain’t going to get you through those tough times when the tub of Valhalla’s calling your name. 

You need to do the work and determine the compelling reasons why this goal is important to you. What thoughts are going to get you through the tough times when you’re ready to throw in the towel?

Step 3: Turn your obstacles into strategies

This point builds on the last. As you already know, the road to achieving your goals is neither smooth nor straight. There are going to be lots of ups and downs and twists and turns. You know this, so why not plan for it?

Turning obstacles into strategies is one of the simplest yet greatest mindset lessons I’ve ever learned.

Here’s how it works:

• Create a list of all the obstacles that could possibly get in the way of you achieving your goal
• For every obstacle you’ve listed, identify a simple strategy that you could use to overcome it
  

That’s it. Keep your strategies simple, doable and on hand to refer to when the going gets tough. So the tough (that’s you) can keep going.

Step 4: Plan. It. Out.

Wait, what!?! You mean I have to actually have to do stuff? Take action? Positive thoughts and intentions aren’t enough.

Yep, sorry about that my friend.

You now need to map out this journey and get it in your diary. 

I suggest asking yourself each of these questions:

• What do I need to do?

Brain dump it all out into a list. Everything you can think of. Don’t edit it, or succumb to overwhelm. Just get it all out on paper.

• What’s important?

Now that your brain has had a chance to download everything (and potentially freak you out in the process) get discerning. Read through the list and cross off everything that’s not important or directly relevant. Could you still achieve your goal without doing this thing? If the answer’s maybe or yes, strike it off.

• When’s it going to happen?

Failing to plan is planning to fail and now it’s time to ensure you take massive action* towards your goal. Schedule time in your diary to action everything you’ve identified needs doing. Whether that’s time to read, train, meal prep or make offers. If it’s not in your diary then it won’t get done. 

Step 5: Celebrate small wins

Remember when I mentioned the Arrival Fallacy earlier on? Review your progress regularly and ensure you celebrate every time you do something well. I dedicated a whole blog post to this topic earlier.

The destination is pretty cool, but the journey is the most important part. 

Want to learn more? I’m starting a new Facebook group specially for women who struggle with their time and beliefs about what they can achieve. In my group I’ll be sharing lots of tools and strategies that you won’t find anywhere else to help you stop being busy, earn more money and create a life and business you love.

Click here if you’d like to join, I’d love to have you!

*Massive action – a commitment to consistent effort and action towards your goals.