Wellness and how to achieve it is really all about creating the highest quality of life for the longest time possible. What will make you genuinely happy, healthy and fulfilled? Take some time to think about where you are now and what you wish to change. This will give you a solid foundation to work with when setting goals for the New Year. 

How To Set Attainable Goals

Consistency is the key to meeting the goals you create for yourself. When you begin a new wellness-focused lifestyle for the New Year, the best approach is to choose a big goal you can then divide into several smaller goals you can begin to achieve in shorter increments of time.

Measuring short-term goals and progress in one month, three months, six months and then a year is a great strategy. If you find yourself struggling to meet your timeline, you can find success and avoid getting discouraged by starting with micro-goals and then building from there.

Use a Detailed Strategy To Set Your Goals

For your first goal of the month, choose something that is possible to achieve and will show measurable results. Seeing the evidence of all your hard work will motivate you to keep going. Make sure your goal is very specific. A loose goal is easy to let slide as you find loopholes and rationalize diverging from them.

For instance, you may choose to set a personal goal of working out three days a week. This is too broad. With seven days in a week, you may think that you can put off your workout until later in the week and then miss fulfilling your self-set requirements entirely.

Instead, give your target more structure and specifics. Set a schedule with the intent to go to the gym at 5 AM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Assign designated target exercises for each day. For example, you can focus on the chest and triceps on Monday, back and biceps on Wednesday and legs on Friday. If you miss a day, commit to making it up. Developing a routine and then a habit with enough detail will help you establish consistency.

Changing your nutrition to lose weight is a great goal where you can easily see changes. If you plan to change your diet, try to do it with a friend or family member for support. Plan out what you will eat and what to eliminate from your diet. Conduct a taste test when you buy sugar-free or healthy food. Make it fun by throwing a party and having everyone bring a few items to try. This is a great way to find your favorites to stock your kitchen with what you know will satisfy you so you are not tempted to cheat.

Check Your Progress and Observe Significant Lifestyle Changes

Be realistic with your goals. Remember the time it takes to create a new habit that becomes second nature can vary depending upon your routine and the type of goal you set, but the average is between four and six weeks. It might feel uncomfortable at first but will soon become part of your day.

You should also track your progress and do something to celebrate yourself, even for the small victories. You will gain more momentum and be eager to continue your wellness journey this way.

Eliminate Obstacles That Stand in Your Way

Sometimes life can get in the way of what you wish to achieve. Find sustainable self-care practices that support your health and assist you with meeting your goals. Meditation is an amazing practice that can drastically reduce your stress levels, giving you the strength and mental space to continue pursuing your goals.

Look Back Upon Your Year and Set New Challenges

When you look at where you were when you started, and everything you have achieved, how do you feel? Are you proud of yourself? You should be! Meeting the expectations you set for yourself is an excellent way to live a more joyful and fulfilling life.

Take some time to reflect on the steps you took that brought you to where you are now. This is also a wonderful time to begin another challenge or change directions if your life goals have shifted.

As you discover the strategies and motivations that work best for you, begin to add new goals and challenges to transform every area of your life. Keep the momentum going, and continue toward building your best life!

By Dr. Matt Chalmers