HOW TO SET GOALS FOR 2021 AND BEYOND 

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 Is 2020 over yet? This is one of the most popular questions being asked by many of us these days!   

 

2020, without a doubt, is a year like no other. The word unprecedented has become synonymous with this year and over-used repeatedly and often times ad nauseum. But, it rings true! 2020 has been beyond unprecedented. Hell, it’s almost seemed apocalyptic at times.   

 

From global pandemics to Presidential elections to natural disasters, there’s no need to re-hash all of the craziness that has happened this year. But, hopefully, in between the stress, anxiety, fear, sadness, hardship, loss, turmoil, and resentment, each and every one of you have been able to see a small glimmer of the silver lining. 

It is important to find something, anything to be thankful for – no matter how difficult 2020 may have been for you. Perhaps, you’ve learned to appreciate the small things in life that you took for granted in years past, like a roll of toilet paper or a walk outside in the fresh air.   

 

A new year brings hope, and we all need some hope right about now.  There are a myriad of things to feel bitter about as 2020 did not go as many of us planned, but it’s almost over. We have a new year and a new beginning to look forward to and a chance to try this again, a do over if you will.  

 

Before we begin, let’s all just take a deep breath. Inhale all that is good and exhale all the bad air and negativity. Breathe in … Breathe out! 

 

Now bring on 2021!  

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And, don’t look back. Let’s just consider 2020 done and let’s forge ahead. You may not be ready to set goals for 2021, but you have to start somewhere. There is no better time than right now whether you believe it or not because I believe in you, and I’m here to support you.  

 

The hardest part is knowing where to begin so here are a few tips to get you started.  

 

The first piece of advice I have for you is do not set New Year’s Resolutions. The very term sets you up for failure and in 2021 we are not going to fail. In fact, “the statistics on how many people actually follow through and accomplish their New Year’s resolutions are rather grim.

Studies have shown that less than 25% of people actually stay committed to their resolutions after just 30 days, and only 8% accomplish them. Don’t be part of that statistic. This year, set goals instead of resolutions.”¹ 

 

There are a number of ideas and different types of goals to set in 2021. The whole process can seem overwhelming, but to get the juices flowing, you need to start visualizing the goals. Here are some ideas for 2021 and beyond:   

 

 

Now let’s get started!  

 

HOW TO SET GOALS FOR 2021 & BEYOND – STEP #1: FREE YOUR MIND  

 

Write everything down. It seems daunting but unless it’s on paper and formed into existence it won’t happen. Your goals need to be set in stone (or paper in this case), and your 2021 goals need to be actionable and based in reality.  Write your 2021 goals down. Do a data dump. Whatever comes to mind just write it down. It doesn’t have to be grammatically correct or formatted perfectly, just get all of your thoughts down and get them out of your mind.  

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HOW TO SET GOALS FOR 2021 & BEYOND – STEP #2:  START ORGANIZING

 

Once you have created a broad list with all of your ideas – start breaking it down into smaller pieces and drill them down into more actionable and doable items. It’s time to create a to-do list, but don’t be overwhelmed. Just start making the list. The most important thing to remember is a to-do without a when will never happen. Once the list is a bit more organized, you can start assigning definitive dates and times.  

  

 HOW TO SET GOALS FOR 2021 & BEYOND – STEP #3:  GET INSPIRED

 

Setting goals should be fun. It should be an event that brings you joy and the hope and promise of something to look forward to and achieve in 2021. So, splurge a little. Invest in a planner or themed calendar that will inspire you. Purchase an app that is designed to help do the planning for you and will keep you organized. This is your life and your life goals so make an investment in you!  

 

HOW TO SET GOALS FOR 2021 & BEYOND – STEP #4:  ENSURE GOALS ARE MEASURABLE  

 

Make sure your 2021 goals are measurable. For example, save $100 more per month by skipping that morning run to the coffee shop and invest in a Roth IRA instead. Goals that are measurable can be crossed off a list and provide a sense of accomplishment. If a goal seems too large or unattainable, break it down into smaller parts that can be measured, like losing 2 pounds per week to reach that 20-pound goal.   

Small wins matter so take the win and keep striving to achieve those 2021 goals.

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HOW TO SET GOALS FOR 2021 & BEYOND – STEP #5: ESTABLISH AND STICK TO DEADLINES   

 

The best intentions of establishing 2021 goals mean nothing if you set them and forget them. Remember, a to-do that is not connected to a when will never get done. A timeline and a deadline should be tied to each goal. Goals should be reviewed and assessed on a regular basis whether it be weekly, monthly or quarterly, but holding yourself accountable is vital to accomplishing your goals.

 

HOW TO SET GOALS FOR 2021 & BEYOND – STEP #6:  FIND YOUR GOAL PEOPLE

 

Setting goals and staying focused is hard and that is why it’s always easier when you have a strong support system. Find a friend, family member, co-worker … anyone. Create a positive network and find the people that will help to hold you accountable. Whether it be couple goals, fitness goals, or reading goals, find the people that will help you reach your goals for 2021.  

 

HOW TO SET GOALS FOR 2021 & BEYOND – STEP #7:  BELIEVE IN YOUR GOALS

 

Believe in your goals and believe in yourself! If your friend wants to work on fitness goals by running every day, but you despise running … then don’t commit to that goal. Setting yourself up for failure is not an option. When setting goals for 2021 and beyond, you must, I repeat MUST, believe in the goals you have created or else the whole process will not work.  

 

MAKING YOUR 2021 GOALS A REALITY

 

If Frank Sinatra were re-writing one of his most popular songs today, he would most definitely say if we can make it here, we can make it anywhere. If you’re reading this article – you did it – you survived 2020. We are in the home stretch and can start to look forward to the promise of a new year!

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If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to go with the flow, learn to adapt, realize that things may not go as planned. And, most importantly to always have plan b through z in your back pocket. Utilizing these strategies will help you get thru 2021 and beyond, but sometimes we could all use a little help. Whether you want to launch a new career in 2021, lose weight in 2021, or improve body, mind and spirit in 2021 …

I’m here for you! My name is Mike Giannulis and I want to help you get there and start working towards and accomplishing your goals for 2021 and beyond. We don’t know what lies ahead or where the road may take us but setting a clearer path will help. So, let’s rip off the 2020 band-aid and get started today! Contact me to start your 2021 journey. 

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