Setting Goals for the New Year

As we approach the New Year, there’s lots of discussions about setting New Year’s resolutions, but they can be hard to keep up with. How about a new way of thinking about the year ahead? Instead of focusing on what you won’t do anymore, why not set an achievable goal, something positive to focus on.

Think about something you want to achieve and think of the things you can do each day to achieve that goal.

  • Decide what matters to you- What is important? What would help you to move forward?
  • Think it through- how would you feel if you achieved your goal? What could change for you? Will the changes be positive?
  • Prioritise your goals- if you have more than one list them in order of importance.
  • Small steps- Write down small steps you need to achieve to reach each goal.
  • Be specific- Write what you are going to do to reach your goal, for example, instead of saying, ‘I want to exercise more’, say, ‘I’m going to walk twice a week to college’.
  • Be realistic- goals can be challenging, especially if you have never done what you are trying to achieve.
  • Stick with it, focus on what you want to achieve rather than what you want to happen.
  • Support- encourage others to support your goals, think about who and what will be positive to you in achieving your goals and who or what could knock you back. For example, if you want to stop smoking, reducing the time you spend in the smoking area will help.
  • Plan ahead, if you have an exam coming up or a deadline to meet, think about accessing the 'Managing Stress Course' on Togetherall in advance.
  • Goal Statement

    Overall goal – to manage my social anxiety

    Working goal – make the time each week to meet with a friend (socially distanced) or connect via FaceTime or Zoom.

    Remember

    Make your goals SMART:

    Specific. Does your goal clearly and specifically say what you want to achieve?

    Measurable. How will you know if you’ve achieved your goal?

    Achievable. Is your goal within your control? What might get in your way?

    Realistic. Why is achieving your goal important to you? How will it affect your life and others? Does it reflect what most matters to you?

    Timely. When do you plan to reach your goal?

    It may take a while before you start to feel comfortable so don’t worry if you have not met your goals straight away, think positive and continue with your steps.

    Useful Resources

    Togetherall

    Kooth.com

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