Three things to help you simplify your goal setting for 2023

The end of a year/beginning of a new year always prompts the good old end-of-year reviews often connected with ‘how can I improve?’, resulting in some ambitious goal setting for the year to come.

I like this energy. I like looking back and thinking about what I’ve done and experienced, and how I’ve grown that year. Something always gets unearthed I’d completely forgotten about, so actually taking the time and writing it all down helps to remember even the small stuff.

There are lots of good articles around when it comes to goal setting. Tony Robbins talks about setting compelling goals, and James Clear is getting scientific about achieving goals. Reading these will show you how to set SMART goals and how to achieve them.

It can get a little dry though. To really get into the nitty-gritty of visualising, setting, measuring, stacking & tracking your goals. What I like to do is to lighten this subject up a little. Make it a bit fluffier, friendlier, and fun.

Don’t forget to put in some fun goals – like trying out new coffee beans or finding a new café to work at

1 – Set fewer goals

I start by writing down everything I’d like to accomplish, from the biggest, most ambitious goals to the tiniest little things. I fill a page or more in my notebook and just scribble down everything that comes to my mind.

Then I’ll make myself a cup of tea and I sit down and read through my list. Armed with a thick pen I cross out stuff. In the last years I learned that as a positive thinking, overcommitting, multi-passionate person, I put WAY too much on my plate. I end up not even ticking off half of the goals I set for myself that year, and this makes me feel bad about myself.

So, I trick myself aka help myself by setting fewer goals, which results in actually being able to achieve them.

2 – Don’t forget the fun stuff

A very important point. Goal setting is a serious business. We’re talking career, relationships, health, diet, every area in our lives we want to better ourselves in and grow. That’s good, but it doesn’t hurt to mix in some fun things.

I’m talking about a bucket list trip you’ve been dreaming of taking. Or to plan some fun dates with your best friends, your family, and your significant other. How about throwing in a goal to try a new ice-cream flavour next year, or to plan in more time of doing absolutely nothing?

These things are necessary for our well-being. These are goals that bring you joy when you think about them.

3 – Do it with a friend

It’s already a great step to take the time and write down your goals for the new year. It’s even better if you share them with your friend, your partner, your mum or whoever can hold you accountable.

If you do this it feels more like a commitment. It’s almost like your secrets are out, they are real and not only pink fluffy clouds in your head anymore. Now you’ve got to plan how to achieve them. It sounds a bit scary, especially when you have some big goals lined up, but it’ll make you work harder to reach them.

And finally, once you reached a goal on your list, don’t forget to celebrate your success. You’ve earned it!