Raise your hand if you set new goals to accomplish in the new year?We don’t mean to scare you, but did you know approximately 80% of people who set goals for the new year fail? We are not here to show you how easy it is to give up. We are here to help you find ways to conquer all your goals, resolutions, and hopes for 2021.

1. Take one Step at a Time.

Whether your list is double-sided and broken down by category or just a few ideas on a post-it, set goals you can obtain one at a time. If you try to do too many at once, you are more likely to fail because you do not devote enough time to each goal. Try setting monthly or seasonal goals to help you stay on track.

2. Go Big and Small.

Instead of setting many goals, focus on one major goal and a few fun little ones. For example, the big goal could be to finish your degree or move to a different city. Then, small goals can be something like reading one book a month.

3. Step by Step.

If your goal is to write a book, it will not be written by the end of the week unless you have a gallon of coffee and no interruptions. Instead, break it out by a few pages a day.    If your goal is to run a 10K, start by running 3K, then build up to a 5K, 8K, and so on.

4. Be Real.

We all may dream of a bigger house, more money, or other big ideas. While you may be able to achieve these one day, make sure that day is within reach. Make sure your goals are achievable and realistic with where you’re at in life right now.

If you are still in school working towards a degree to become a CEO of a major corporation, you may not achieve that goal by the end of the year. Maybe in five to ten?   Choosing a smaller goal that can set you on the right path to your future goals is the best option. So a better goal would probably be: Get an internship at a similar company.

5. No Zero Days

There is a concept we learned a few years back called “No Zero Day”, which means never let a day go by where you don’t do at least one thing that takes you closer to your goal. Even if it’s sending a single email or doing a single push-up, never let a day be a zero-day.

6. Don’t Forget to Reward Yourself.

Achieving a goal is a big deal! You deserve a pat on the back, high-five, to toast some champagne, or however else you celebrate a victory. You deserve it. It’s also a form of positive reinforcement that will help set you up for continued success in your next goals.