Goal Setting: Achievable Goals

Goal Setting: Achievable Goals

It’s Monday 18th of January 2021, and while we usually make resolutions and goals at the beginning of the month, maybe now is the best time to set achievable goals, that can be put into action by the end of January, and maybe even beyond.

Today is recognised as Blue Monday. However, here at Smart Marketing, we are going to call it Resilience Monday. After all, this is a weird time so let’s just keep things simple. Don’t worry about everything being perfect, let’s just do what we can to make life easier in these strange times. Here are some simple tips to help with productivity and goal setting.

1. Try not to worry

Easier said than done, right? With all the focus on COVID-19 and lockdown sometimes it can be hard not to catastrophize.  So many “what if’s”? So much unpredictability. This makes concentrating on tasks difficult. If you tell yourself , “I am going to try not to worry”, and that is your only resolution, you are already off to a flying start!

When you feel yourself getting stressed about possible outcomes ask yourself , is it really going to happen, or am I just catastrophising? Taking a deep breath and getting back to the task you are doing at present will help you achieve more and make you feel better.

2. A Simple Declutter

Now we are not talking about the whole house, that is what a Spring Clean is for!

Working from home can be tricky, trying to find a space that is comfortable yet productive. If you are going to be in the same space for eight hours a day, make it work for you.

A simple declutter of your desk or table can make the world of difference! Or even deleting files from your computer can be a task that will make working easier, and feel like a fresh start.  It doesn’t have to take all day, just 15 minutes and you can continue your day already having achieved something you may have been putting off.

3. Media detox

Yes, we know we should be detoxing from the leftover sweets, but cutting back on the latest news is good for us too. While it is important to be informed, sometimes all the negative news may make things feel much harder. So, wherever you get your information from, take breaks and listen to something positive. Put on your favourite playlist, which leads us to our next point.

4. Movement

Taking short breaks and moving more will make your body happier and your mind too. Movement also helps with creativity , so if you are feeling stuck on a problem move outside and take in the winter sun and the fresh air. Or as we said in point 3, put on your favourite songs and move to them. That will help make you feel energised and put you in a good mood.

So even if you achieve one or two of these goals, it’s a positive step. This January is different to any we have had before, and that is why it’s so important to keep things simple and make things achievable.

If you are looking for a good book on simple ways to balance your busy schedule, we recommend

Karen Ward: Change a Little to Change a Lot: Simple Ways to Bring Balance to Your Busy Lifestyle.

Karen has worked with us, and been a fantastic speaker at the Local Enterprise Office, Women in Business events in the past. She has great tips to follow.

Let’s check back in at the end of January, and see how we all are!