How to Set Goals You’ll Actually Achieve in 2021

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Fresh year, fresh start! It’s time to set goals that’ll push you to stay motivated all year long. Here are ways to set goals that you’ll actually achieve this 2021!

With the way 2020 ended, I think we can all agree that we could use a fresh start this 2021! While we won’t get a complete reset at the stroke of midnight, the start of the new year is motivation enough to achieve more goals! A new year, after all, brings new opportunities to make a beautiful beginning and a rewarding ending. 

We’re still reeling from the pandemic, and though there’s nothing wrong about dreaming big dreams this year, it’ll be more realistic to set specific and attainable goals for 2021. We could all use the motivation to keep going, and setting small, realistic goals take less time, effort, and resources to achieve. So how do you set goals you’ll likely accomplish this 2021? Try these tips:

 

Define Your Goal

Being vague won’t take you anywhere. To set goals, you’ll likely achieve this year, you need to be specific. Dreaming of “achieving your dreams” or “finding your big break” will no longer cut it. You have to define your goal and how to achieve it. Think of a goal and find answers to these questions:

• What is your goal?
• Where to begin?
• Why do you want to achieve this goal?
• When will you begin?
• Who’s involved?

By answering these questions, you can refine your goal based on your unique situation. You’ll also know what you’re going for and why you want to work hard to achieve it.

 

Track Your Progress

Most of us are so focused on outlining our goals, we forget about the journey — the actual process of achieving these goals. To ensure that you’re right on track and not wasting time, you have to track your progress. 

If your goal is to make a career switch, start doing the research and strategize when and how to execute your plan. You might measure your progress by sending out your applications for an opening and making calls for referrals. 

At the same time, you should start covering your bases so, by the time you get accepted to a new job, you’ll make the transition as easy as possible to the people who will fill in for you once you leave. Always hold yourself accountable for any delays and be strategic in executing your plan so that you’ll achieve your goal without delay.

 

Be Realistic

Again, no reason not to dream big, but because these will take time, choose to be realistic instead. You’ll feel more motivated once you’ve started achieving one little goal after another. You’re more likely to achieve bigger goals as the year progresses. You have to be patient as you work through your many goals and adapt if necessary to increase your chances of success.

For instance, if you want to switch careers but, thanks to COVID, finding a stable job has become problematic, and you don’t want to leave your current job just yet, adjust your goal just a bit so that it becomes realistic yet challenging. Work on your resume; make it better to stand out from the rest of the applicants. Search the job market for openings and use your marketing skills to ace the interview. 

Never leave your job unless you’re sure that there’s a new one waiting for you. And finally, do not leave without trying all the loose ends because if you don’t make the transition as smoothly as possible, it will reflect on your track record.

 

Break Goals in Steps

It’s challenging to dream big dreams in 2021 just as the economy is recovering, but don’t let that stop you from achieving it. You have to take your time making things happen for you. Instead of trying to achieve big dreams, break each one in steps. Think of these mini-goals as the stepping stones that will lead you to more significant achievements! Set goals relevant to a major purpose and follow through with your plan to ensure that you’ll achieve each one within the timeframe you’ve set for yourself. And speaking of timeframes…

 

Set a Deadline

Timing your productivity is key to achieving more in 2021. You’ll reach more goals if you’re sticking to a specific timeframe and holding yourself accountable if you’ve been procrastinating. Since almost everyone’s working from home, it’s easier to set a timetable for goals. 

Schedule all the hours you have to spare achieving each goal, along with time set aside for yourself and your loved ones — those are important too. Plans may change, and you might need to push back specific dates, but as long as you are sticking to your deadline, it’s possible to achieve whatever goal you have. 

 

2021 brings a new beginning, and there’s no better time to make things happen for you than today. With these tips, you’ll achieve more and end the year with a bang!