Too many of us fail at achieving the goals we set for ourselves. Here’s why breaking them up into smaller parts and checking on them in the interim can help
Looking back to December 31, 2020, I remember wishing for a better year ahead. Having faith in change and new beginnings, alongside my action-packed list of resolutions. Now, looking at my diary, I don’t know how we are already in April and discussing upcoming summer camps for my children. It’s uncanny how we have just gotten used to 2021 and it’s flying right by us.
This year was going to be filled with change. We had dreams and hopes. I am sure, you, too, made some inspiring resolutions to take you through this year—remember those?
According to Forbes, around 50 per cent of people make resolutions in January, maybe to find a new job, get fit, stop smoking and so on. By February, however, 80 per cent of those resolutions are forgotten. Sounds familiar?
I was definitely that overenthusiastic person with fabulously crafted resolutions to turn my life around. There is so much pressure, whenever a new year is around the corner, to create goals and visualise what we want—yet so many of us fail so quickly. Maybe those resolutions aren’t that meaningful, too unattainable, or unrealistic?
(Related: 11 Netflix Documentaries to Inspire You to Make 2021 Your Most Positive Year So Far)
A small success goes a long way
Goal-setting is definitely a way to fuel motivation and create a positive outlook for the future. In my Getting to Happy box set of cards, we aim to understand the science behind it.
When we set goals, we bring a sense of optimism to our lives, helping us to overcome challenges and adversity. When we connect to our dreams and envision what we truly want in our lives, we are motivated to accomplish them. Focusing on the task, or goal, somehow boosts confidence and promotes a sense of well-being.
Setting goals for the year is wonderful, but often, the pressure to accomplish them all within a set time frame can be overwhelming.
Going for goals we are truly connected to and devising a way to realise them will help keep us on track. It’s one thing to simply think of goals we want to achieve, but another to have a plan to get there.
Achieving them has a ripple effect that goes into other aspects of our life, like building resilience and strength to challenge ourselves further. Once we check off and accomplish small tasks or goals, our brain releases dopamine, which makes us feel good. This surge in happy hormones encourages us to keep going.
(Related: How to Be Happy, According to a Life and Happiness Coach in Singapore)
