Did you set any intentions last weekend for the year ahead? Did you write down goals you want to achieve? Now you are over a week in, how are they going? Have you kept them at the forefront of your mind or have you completely forgotten them?
The first week of the new year and back to work can be a busy old time and this could be when your motivation wavers for the goals you set.
In the excitement and spirit of new year we can get carried away with new ideas, fresh starts and leaving the old behind. However, after the first few weeks, the initial adventure of the goals has worn off and we slip back into doing what we normally do day to day.
So what can you do differently this year to keep the excitement alive to help you to achieve your goals? Here are five ideas to help keep you on the path to success and fulfilment:
- Go small – If your goal is to run a marathon and you have not exercised in years, the mountain you have to climb to get there is huge. I am not saying you can’t do it, I’m all for you going for it but you will lose interest fast as you won’t be running a marathon in a week. Instead break that goal down and start with the first point and make THIS your goal. It could be a goal of walking or learning to run (such as Couch to 5k) 2-3 times a week. This is a good start. Once you feel you are in the flow of this and it has become a habit, then set another goal. This will be the next step such as run 5k twice a week. Once achieved, tick off and move onto the next. By doing this it will help you to stay focused on the goal in hand and ensures you are not getting overwhelmed by focusing on the bigger picture. Your small goals are the main goal, keep that in mind and it will keep the motivation and excitement going.
- Time – give yourself enough time to reach each goal. Don’t plan it so much that you aren’t being realistic. You need to be flexible as things can and do get in the way. Sometimes it is easier not to have a time scheduled, however this can also have the opposite affect where you find yourself drifting and not achieving anything. Find a balance and set check ins to see if you need to push your timeline out. I would suggest working out how long you think you will need to achieve your goal and then add a few weeks to it. Whilst you might smash your goal in your timescale, adding extra time gives you a buffer just in case you need it.
- Does it excite you? – Don’t slog your guts out for a goal that doesn’t excite you. Make sure you actually want to achieve it and do it. It has to be your goal and for you. No point building up to do a marathon if you have no desire to do it but don’t want to let your friend or partner or whoever down. Remember it is YOUR life, so do what YOU want. You will find it easier to achieve if you want it.
- Share them – If you share them with your friends and family they can help to hold you accountable. They will ask you how you are getting on, what you have achieved so far and when you think you will hit your goal. It’s great to have a support network but even better to have cheerleaders and someone to check in with you. You could even give them a weekly or monthly update as to how you are getting on.
- What makes you smile? – When you accomplish each goal – the goal itself is a reward, however, also treat yourself with something that makes you smile. Don’t just go with ‘a glass of wine’ or ‘dessert’ or ‘a new top’. Take it up a level and go for something you will truly enjoy and your heart will sparkle when you get there. You could tie it in with your goal if you wish – learning to run a 5k – buy those colourful running leggings with cows on that make you laugh! Find something to add fun to reaching your target and it will be memorable.
Your goals are important to you, but you have to make them right for you. They should challenge you but make you zing at the same time. Keeping your motivation and passion for obtaining your goals alive will benefit you in the long run. Make it fun.
Take a look over your goals and see what you can do to tweak them to the above. This will help to keep you motivated until you have accomplished what you set out to do!
Happy 2026.
Thank you for reading, have a great week and look after you.
Love Emma xx
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