With 2022 full of opportunities and possibilities, how will you make the most out of the year ahead? Take a different approach to the typical new year’s resolution by setting goals with intention instead.
Knowing what you want to accomplish is just the beginning. The next step is creating a plan and a method to ensure you achieve everything you envision.
This is Magnum’s guide to setting and achieving goals with intention.
Step 1) Define Your Goal & Your Why
It is vital to define what you want to accomplish and why it is important to you. It is essential to understand the core reasoning behind creating a goal. Clearly outline the purpose for making your goal and evaluate the impact that achieving it will have on your overall life. Envision your success and keep a clear understanding of why this is important to you.
If you have a massive life goal you want to accomplish, break it down into smaller goals. When a big goal is broken down into actionable, daily steps, it makes it feel less daunting. The daily wins will propel you closer to your final objective.
For example, if your objective is to live a healthier lifestyle, smaller goals can include:
- Go to the gym three times a week to train upper body on Monday, lower body on Wednesday, and cardio on Friday.
- Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily by having a salad with lunch and dinner
- Take your Primer Performance Pack every morning with breakfast
Step 2) Create A SMART Plan
Now that you’ve defined your goal and your why, it’s time to lay out a plan of action to help you get there. Magnum believes in the importance of setting SMART goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.
- Specific
- State the 5 W’s of your goal: who, what, when, where, and why. A well-defined goal is easier to follow than an ambiguous one because it leaves less room for error.
- Measurable
- Assign metrics to your goal. This can look like how many pounds you want to lose or gain every two weeks, how many hours of sleep you aim to get every night, or the number of glasses of water you need to drink every day to meet your goal. Whatever it is, find a way to track your progress.
- Attainable
- Ensure your goal is realistic and something you’re able to achieve. If your current lifestyle doesn't allow for 2 hours of training a day, shift it to 30 minutes of activity instead. Understand which aspects of your life are static and which can change.
- Relevant
- Does this goal relate and align with your other goals? If your goal does not align with your lifestyle or isn’t relevant to what you want to achieve, it will be challenging to succeed.
- Time-Bound
- Give yourself a deadline. When there is a finish line in view, staying on track with a goal is much easier.
An example of a SMART goal is:
To lose 15lbs in 4 months by going to the gym for 1 hour minimum every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after work.
Step 3) Create A Visual Reminder
It is important to keep your goal top of mind by reminding yourself of your “why”. Create a vision board, either physical or digital, of how accomplishing this goal will make you feel. You can write a motivational reminder on your mirror so you can start your day with the right intention. You can also set reminders on your phone to keep you in a goal-focused frame of mind throughout the day.
Step 4) Make Yourself Accountable
Share your goal and your plan with people who want to see you win. This can include your friends, training partners, loved ones, co-workers, or an online community. They can help keep you motivated, inspired, and focused.
No goal worth accomplishing is simple or easy. But, with some focus, a detailed plan, and some determination, you can cross any finish line.