I know how you’re feeling—somewhere between the holiday magic and the promising new year, you decided to set some pretty ambitious goals for yourself. Now that it’s time to get back into your old routine, though, you’re trying to figure out how your big dreams can fit into that tight schedule.
That’s why I put together 10 of the best resources to help turn your goals into achievable results. Here’s what you should keep in mind to make sure you’re on track for your best year yet:
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First things first, the secret to getting outcomes is to approach them realistically. I’m not saying you shouldn’t dream big—because, you totally should—but clarity, feedback, and commitment are essential to keeping you on the right track.
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Keep in mind, if you’re eyeing one of those classic career milestones, think twice about what’s motivating you. Progress is less about getting recognition and more about finding happiness, so make your next moves accordingly.
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It can be exciting to think about all the positive changes you’re going to make to your life, but try not to get carried away. Over-subscribing to multiple goals means you’ll run the risk of not keeping up with any of them.
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Curious how the experts achieve what they set their minds to? For them, it’s all about setting habits, finding motivation, and keeping themselves accountable.
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I’m just going to say it: You’re probably going to have a hard time keeping your eye on the prize. That’s OK. Making your dreams come true isn’t so much about being perfect from the start as it is about persevering, even when you slip up every now and then.
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Feel like you’re getting bogged down in the details of your career goals? Try to refocus on the big picture by writing down the details for later and being patient with the process.
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You can even live every day in pursuit of your dreams—by visualizing them each morning and reflecting on your day each night.
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And if you hit a major setback, don’t sweat it. Get yourself back on track by looking at your progress so far and course-correcting for next time.
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Science says your brain is working against you in reaching those big milestones. But if you can recognize and acknowledge that, you can practice more self-compassion and patience throughout the journey.
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At the end of the day, just remember: Reaching your goals can seem daunting as a whole. So don’t look at it that way. Go one step at a time, and everything will fall into place.