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New Year's Goal Setting: How-to Guide for 2024
Jan 15, 2024
Holly Geddes

Have you ever started the new year with high hopes and expectations of yourself, only to lose focus after a month or so? We’re here to help you make this year different, and have collated some simple methods to goal setting that will help you keep your motivation high all year long!


Why should I set goals?


By setting specific objectives, we create a roadmap that helps us prioritise what truly matters. Goals inspire motivation, boost productivity, and create a sense of achievement. Big or small, goals encourage you to reach your full potential, and make choices that line up with what you truly desire.


Where should I begin?


Begin by picking something in your life that you would like to achieve or change. It could be a bigger goal like accomplishing a sporting personal best or getting promoted. Or, it could be a more minor, short-term goal like turning out the lights 10 minutes earlier each night. 


When you’ve decided on your goal, try to stick to the SMART goal method; an acronym that increases your likelihood of staying on track. Specifically, make sure your goal is: 


Specific: Rather than “go to bed earlier”, get clearer! For example, “brush my teeth by 9pm” or “turn the lights out by 10pm”. 


Measurable: If you can measure your goal, you can track it and admire your achievements! So, instead of aiming to “save money”, define your savings goal, for example, “save $2000”. 


Achievable: There’s nothing more motivating than visualising a goal that’s realistic for the time being, so keep most of your goals attainable for this year (or even this month). Rather than “become a successful lawyer”, consider something more immediate like “get high marks on my law exam” or “join the debate team to practise public speaking”. 


Relevant: Make sure your yearly goals align with your overall aspirations, and support your long-term plans. As well as career or money goals; you can also ensure you’re working towards being the type of person you desire being, and who you would like to be surrounded by. 


Time-bound: No one likes a deadline, but surprisingly they can be very positive and motivating when goal setting. Creating an end date like “run 5km by October” can create a sense of urgency and excitement, and prevent procrastination. 


How can I keep myself on track?


A scientifically-proven way to stick with a goal is to give yourself a reward every time you take a step closer, meaning you may need to break down your goal into smaller steps. For example, if your goal is to run 5 kilometres, each time you add an extra 500 metres to your running ability, you could buy a new piece of activewear, your favourite snack, or have a movie night!


Additionally, it has been proven that sharing goals with friends can help you stay committed to your journey, as well as planting visual reminders around your house or phone that remind you of your reasons for pursuing these goals. 



Goal-setting can be challenging and might not be a priority for you if you are facing mental health problems or other daily challenges. To get some clarity about yourself and your future, it can be helpful to speak to a mental health professional, such as our trusted team at We Lysn. 


For valuable, personalised guidance in a confidential setting, head to www.welysn.com to get started today. 



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