How to Set a Goal
2024 is our ‘Year of Living Well’, so let’s start by thinking of some goals you’d like to reach this year! Goals can be the stepping-stones towards a happier way of living. They can improve productivity at work, help people cope with depression and anxiety as well as lead a healthier life in general. If you’re ever feeling a bit lost, goals can also give you a clearer sense of purpose and direction. Many people become inspired by their goals, and when they see how far they’ve come, they feel excited to carry on!
What is a goal? A goal is a dream with a deadline.
There are many kinds of dreams we have, from making a new friend to quitting smoking. To come up with some ideas, you could get out some colourful pens and paper to make a mind-map! For example, if you’d like to be kinder to yourself, you could write a compliment on the mirror in the bathroom once a week. If you feel you need to get outside more, you could aim to take a walk each day.
Research suggests the best goals are specific. Think about questions like:
- What is your goal?
- Why is this goal important to you?
- When will you achieve your goal by?
Once you’ve asked yourself these questions, you’re halfway there! However, the most challenging part is forming a habit. Research suggests it can take 66 days for a new habit to become routine, but you can do it! If you need more help with this, check out our Healthy Habits part of the 2024 Journal. If you’d like to request a copy, email marketing@creativesupport.co.uk.
Why not get a friend involved? You have a 65% chance of reaching your goals if someone else is cheering you on. Perhaps a colleague or family member could check in with you to ask how you’re getting on and if there’s anything they can do to help. Your chosen person could also work towards the same goal or their own goal. You could agree to meet once a month in a coffee shop to share your progress with each other.
When setting goals, it’s important to not put too much pressure on yourself. If you don’t reach a goal, that’s okay! Remember that trying is enough to make you a happier person than you were yesterday. Make sure to reward yourself when you’ve reached a deadline whether that’s sitting down with cup of tea or a buying yourself a treat!
Charlotte’s Dreams for 2024
“In 2024, I’ve chosen to be more active and try new healthy recipes. I’ve been going on a little walk every day, and learning to cook. Last year, I made pea and mint soup! It’s exciting to learn new things, hopefully people will feel inspired by me.” – Charlotte from Warwickshire.
We’d love to hear about your hopes and dreams for 2024. Update us with your progress by emailing communications@creativesupport.co.uk