Feeling optimistic yet also experiencing some overwhelm and dare I say dread around your goals? If you answered yes, then you want to tap into these off-the wall ways to enjoy your goals this year. 

1. Don’t fix things, create them.

Most people see a goal as a chance to fix something broken. “I’m out of shape and need to change that, my garage is a mess, I need to declutter.” That approach tends to generate shame. Instead, see your goal as a chance to create a strong healthy body, or create an organized garage.  This helps you discover a new capability in yourself.

2. Keep new goals to yourself.

A new goal is fragile. If you share it on day one with friends, family or colleagues who are discouraging, they can torpedo the whole thing with criticism. Instead, find a community of people who get you and will support you as you work on your goal until it’s strong enough to withstand doubt from others. (Try getting a week or a month of progress under your belt first.)

3. Embrace Failure.

Allowing yourself to fail can be a powerful way to enjoy your goals. Failure is often a stepping stone to success, providing valuable lessons and insights. Failure isn’t the end of the journey, it’s a critical  element to your success. 

4. Detach from Outcomes

Instead of obsessing over the end result, detach yourself from specific outcomes. Focus on the process and the personal growth that comes with pursuing your goals. This mindset shift brings greater fulfillment. 

5. Slow Down to Speed Up

Instead of rushing towards your goals, take a step back and slow down. This can lead to increased productivity and better results. By focusing on quality over quantity, you’ll make more significant progress in the long run. 

6. Widen the range of success.

Emerging evidence suggests making a small shift from single number goals to high-low goals — goals that, rather than targeting a single number, have a high-low range that averages the same, e.g. workout 3-5 times per week as opposed to 4— find themselves at an increased advantage.

Why?

Because high-low goals are both challenging and attainable. Researchers at Florida State University recently demonstrated how this small shift in goal setting can have an impressive impact.

In one study, members of a weight loss club wanting to lose 2 pounds per week were assigned to one of two groups—a single number goal group “lose 2 pounds per week” or a high-low range goal group that averaged the same“lose 1 – 3 pounds per week.” The impact of being set a high-low goal on members’ sustained motivation to pursue their goal (by enrolling in an additional 10-week program) was striking.

Only half assigned a single number weight loss goal persisted with the longer-term target, but nearly 80% of those assigned a high-low range weight loss goal did.

7. Let it be easy.

Complicated approaches to goals fail every time. You don’t need to color code every hour of your life for the next 6 months with a fancy system. You need to move a little today, write a little, drink some water, etc. Fight complexity when it sneaks into your plans. It’s a distraction at best and an enemy to progress at worst.

8. Cut your goals in half.

A six-month study of 900 people revealed that people who cut their goals in half were 63% more successful. Big, crazy goals are fun, but not if you get overwhelmed and quit. Run a 5k before you run a marathon. Write a chapter before you write a trilogy. Organize a drawer before you organize a house.

Try a few of those and see how amazing you’ll feel this year. Better yet, join me and some of the most encouraging people you’ll ever meet in the Today I Can Community. Sign up here.