tips to set goals for the new year

The start of a new year holds so much hope. After the year we have all had in 2020, it goes without saying hope is something we can all cling to. You likely had big plans and goals that you set out to accomplish in 2020. But, as life does, we were all thrown a huge curveball. Do not let the unexpected hardships of last year deter you from planning to have the best year you can in 2021. While we cannot plan for everything, it is still important to put some plans for ourselves in place. I find the act of setting intentions and manifesting goals far more productive than setting “resolutions.” Rather than resolving to do or not do something, by setting intentions, you can work towards goals in bite-sized and attainable ways. Not a fan of setting goals for the new year? Do not overthink it. I have some simple tips that will help set you up for success this year. After all, there is no better time than a new year to try something new.

Tips to set yourself up for success in the new year

Write your goals for the year in manifest or letter form

Writing my goals out in a manifest or letter format is something I have done the past few years. I find this helpful because it requires thinking out my goals, and taking the time to put them to paper. It’s nice to refer back to throughout the year and at the end of the year to see how these goals manifested themselves into reality.

How to write goals for manifestation:

Clear your mind and find a quiet space
Start with acknowledging that you appreciate what you have
State how you are going to use your gifts to give back. For example, being a creative person, I would write: “I look forward to using my creative energy and talents to continue to give bring joy and be a resource for others.“
Be specific with what you want to accomplish. For example, if I were continuing my manifestation I would write: “I look forward to using my creative energy and talents to continue to give bring joy and be a resource for others. In order to acomplish this I manifest that in 2021 I will…”

Set intentions for different areas of your life

I find setting intentions far more productive than setting resolutions. Think of it this way: are you more likely to stick to something when you restrict yourself from certain actions or are you more likely to reach a goal by setting attainable ways you can achieve something? To be sure you are meeting your goals, it is helpful to set intentions for different areas of your life. This way you can break those intentions down into separate areas that you can act on.

Try setting intentions for:

Personal Goals
Financial Goals
Professional Goals
Relational Goals
Spiritual Goals

Check-in on your progress regularly

This is important. Do not forget to check in on our goals regularly. Try, monthly at first and adjust more frequently if needed. You can journal your progress, or jot down notes on how you need to adjust to better meet your goals. Do not be afraid to adjust. If the year 2020 taught us anything, it is to be ready for the unexpected, make like Ross on Friends, and “PIVOT!” If something unexpected comes up that throws a wrench in your plans, reevaluate and adjust your goals as needed.

Share your goals

Pick an accountability partner and share your goals with them. You are more likely to stick to something if you have a trusted person to hold you accountable (and if you’ve spoken your goals out loud to someone).

Get a planner or bullet journal

If you are a paper and pen (or pencil) type, consider getting a planner or bullet journal to help you plan out your days, weeks, and months. Pencil in and schedule specific actions that will help you chip away at your goals. Using a planner or journal is also helpful because it helps keep your goals organized so that you can refer back to specific actions and check in on your progress.

This year, I am using the Dream Planner from Horacio printing. I love the different layout options this printer offered and how durable it is. There is an entire section at the beginning to help you break down your goals, set intentions, and even space for gratitude planning and jotting down fears or things that might be holding you back from meeting your goals.

For $10 off your Horacio Printing order, use this link!

I hope these tips leave you feeling confident and ready to take on your goals in the new year. Remember, you can start small, you can adjust, you can do this! If you take time to set goals for the new year using any of these tips, I would love to hear more! Tag me and follow along on Instagram @thelovelytwist.