I’ve never been a fan of New Year’s Resolutions. Oh sure, it’s great to set goals and achieve success in your personal and professional life, but why wait until Jan. 1? Setting smaller goals throughout the year, perhaps on the first of every month, might work better for you.
The goals you set should be realistic and attainable. Start small to ensure success, perhaps choosing to eliminate one unhealthy choice from your diet, instead of vowing to never consumer carbs again.
Remember, small, incremental changes can lead to long-term success. If you find yourself procrastinating, complete one small unpleasant task as you start your day – you’ve already accomplished something. There’s a saying: The state of your bed is the state of your head. An unmade bed, or messy bedroom can make you feel sloppy and lazy as you start your day. Making your bed is one small task you can accomplish, and this might lead to more organization in your home.
Goals should be SMART. Yes, intelligent but SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Relevant and Time-Bound. The example of making your bed every morning falls into all of these categories.
Writing down your goals and sharing them with a trusted loved one is another way to keep yourself accountable. If you have resolved to exercise at least five times a week, find a walking or work out partner to keep you on track.
Sometimes we want to “go big or go home” and inadvertently set ourselves up for failure. For example, if you want to live a completely self-sufficient life, develop a plan and implement steps month by month and year by year. Purchasing a 50-acre homestead with cows and horses is a lot of work. Start with a garden and a few chickens (hint: the smaller the animal, the less work it is).
You can also work with children, even young children, and help them set goals, such as finishing the food on their plate, doing homework right after school and before play time. There are also chores you can add to their goal list, like feeding the dog or setting the dinner table.
Family goals will also bring you closer to your relatives. Here are some ideas:
- Make one weekend night game night – no movies or phones – just games. Each child can pick a game each week and you can have a fun competition, adding up points over the whole year.
- Once a month each child (depending on the size of your household) works with the parents to plan and make a meal. For younger children, it can be a simple meal, such as soup and salad, and older children can hone their cooking skills and make their own recipes.
- Work on a family budget and get the children involved. What are expenses for needs versus wants and teach children how to value and appreciate saving up for a special toy or household items.
At Lehman’s, we want to help you take the next step on your journey to a simpler life. Remember, it’s a journey and each year we can improve our health and homestead. Good luck and happy new year!
