Ahh, the time is here! The season of sparkly lights, warm mugs of cocoa, and, yes, those infamous New Year’s resolutions. “New Year, New You!” we chant. It’s fun and exciting to jump on the resolution bandwagon. But let’s be real for a second, how many times have we set a big goal on January 1st, only to have it fade into the background by February? (Guilty as charged, right?)

Here’s the thing: There’s a HUGE difference between simply setting goals and being goal oriented. And we’re going to chat about how to take your goals from fleeting dreams to fabulous realities with your soul, spirit, and body in the mix.

What’s the Difference?

• Setting goals: It’s the act of writing down a specific thing you want to achieve. For example, “I want to lose 10 pounds” or “I’m going to run a 5k.”
• Being goal-oriented: This takes it to the next level. It means actively working toward those goals every day—celebrating wins, learning from stumbles, and keeping that drive alive.

So, how do we go from goal setting to goal crushing? Let’s break it down!

4 Steps to Becoming a Goal-Oriented Rockstar

Step 1: Choose a Specific Goal (Be Realistic)

Pick something you can actually accomplish! Dream big, yes, but keep it manageable. Instead of saying, “I want to lose all the weight I’ve ever gained,” try, “I want to lose 10 pounds over the next 3 months by eating healthy and staying active.”

Step 2: Align Your Goal with Your Vision and Values

Ask yourself: Why do I want this? When your goal lines up with your deeper “why,” it’s easier to stay motivated. For example, if your vision is to feel stronger and more energetic for your family, remind yourself of that every time you’re tempted to skip a healthy habit. 

Step 3: Track Your Progress (Hold Yourself Accountable)

Tracking is your BFF. Write down your progress in a journal, use a fitness app, or create a fun chart you can hang on your fridge. If your goal is to eat more nourishing meals, snap photos of your plate or keep a food diary. Seeing progress (no matter how small) fuels your fire!

Step 4: Celebrate Progress

Pop the confetti and do a happy dance when you hit milestones. Celebrating doesn’t mean stopping; It means recognizing how far you’ve come. Maybe you treat yourself to a new workout outfit or take a relaxing self care day. Small wins deserve big smiles!

An Example in Action

Let’s say your goal is to move your body more.

• Goal Setter Mindset: You write, “I want to exercise more in 2024.”
• Goal-Oriented Mindset: You say, “I’ll go for a 30-minute walk 3 times a week.” Then you:
  • Add walking time to your calendar like an important meeting.
  • Find a buddy to walk with and make it fun
  • Track your steps and reward yourself with a new playlist when you hit a streak.
  • Celebrate when you’ve walked consistently for a month and feel AMAZING!

The Perfect Time to Start? NOW!

You don’t have to wait until January 1st to change your mindset and become goal oriented. Start small today. Take one action step. Drink a glass of water, go for a quick stretch, or write down a single goal that excites you. The key is consistency and keeping your soul, spirit, and body in balance.

2025 is YOUR year, but why not get a head start? Let’s make the magic happen together!