How To Make 2022 Your B*tch

"I have the complexion of rejection"

Setting goals for ourselves can often seem difficult. This is due impart to our inability to see us at the finish line. Instead of viewing each surpassing day as an opportunity, we view each surpassing day as a reason why we "can't".

To make the most out of this year, and any year for that matter, it is important to change your mindset about goal setting.

1. Adopt A Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the ability to know that you can continue to learn and grow your skillsets and talents. Whereas, a fixed mindset is to believe that your talents are determined and cannot be built upon.

It's easier said than done. If you feel that you do not have a growth mindset, here are a few questions you can ask yourself that will help with getting the ball rolling;

1. Do I often find myself making excuses of why I am okay where I am at?
2. Do I often think about doing something else with my life?
3. Do I ever feel like I would not have the ability to develop/learn certain skillsets?
4. Do I often make excuses for not having enough time to start anything new?

If you are answering "yes" to a majority of these questions, then you might have a fixed mindset. To harness a new mentality is to turn the mirror towards you and say "I am capable". Because we all are.

Once you can master the art of positive self-talk and you are envisioning yourself at the finish line, then you will have developed a growth mindset. This isn't to say that discouragement won't ever set in, but the idea is to keep going even in the face of hardships. An individual with a growth mindset always sees it through.

2. Set Realistic Goals

More often than not, we think TOO big. It's great to have confidence in our ability to accomplish a goal, but setting small-realistic goals will make the journey easier and free of disappointment.

Instead of saying, "I want to buy a house this year", think about the first few things you might need to reach that goal. Good credit, money saved to put down, and/or co-signer are small goals to reach first before you reach the biggest goal; buying a home.

Studies show that an individual is 42% more likely to accomplish a goal if they write it down. Writing these goals down and reviewing them on a daily basis will also help you to reach success at a faster rate.

3. Grow Your Network

"It's not what you know, it's who you know"

Well, something like that.

Of course, becoming well versed in whatever knowledge you need to acquire a goal is highly important. However, so is associating yourself with like-minded individuals that will help you reach your goals.

Think of it this way. If I have a goal towards saving and investing, I am not going to choose to seek advice from someone that is in debt and living at home with their parents. No. Instead, I am going to expand my network towards those that have already reached my written goal.

Learning from those that have, is the best practice.

4. Stay Focused

One of the hardest parts of setting a goal is remaining focused on your goal. Unforeseen occurrences can cause us to lose track or put our goals on hold. Changes in circumstances such as; having a child, moving, career change and all the above can act as distractions.

Though these are significant changes in your life, you shouldn't sell yourself short because of them. The route in which you may take to accomplish these goals may change and alter as time goes on, but you should remain steadfast in your pursuit.

One of the best ways to remain focused on your goal is to write it down on sticky notes and place them in locations you occupy often. This could be on the fridge in the kitchen, vanity mirror, work laptop, etc.

Another step that has worked for most, is setting small milestones to accomplish while working towards your overall goal. It could be as simple as saving 100 dollars during week 1 and then saving 200 dollars during week 2.

Lastly, it is important to picture yourself at the finish line. Envision yourself and what your life would be like with this goal accomplished and don't lose sight of it. Creating a mental image will help you to hold yourself accountable when you begin to waiver and it will allow you to remain focused on your efforts.