Remember those New Year’s Resolutions you made so, so long ago? Or the cookbook you bought because you swore you would learn how to make every single recipe? How about the matching shirt and leggings hanging in your closet? You know, the ones you bought when you set out to take yoga classes every Friday, only to go once and leave the clothes hanging in your closet for the rest of eternity?
Finishing what you’ve started, although a seemingly simple concept, is a tough skill to master. Starting out, you’re excited and motivated, ready to see what comes next. But a week or two in, you oftentimes realize that the task you’ve set out to complete is a bit more difficult than anticipated. If you’re interested in getting back on track to completing your goals, VALLEY has the solution for you.
Be Realistic
It’s important to remember that not all goals are created equal. Your dream of becoming a professional pianist may not be so ideal if you’ve never even seen a piece of sheet music—and that’s okay. Realize that you can tweak those goals. After all, you’re more likely to reach a goal if it’s actually attainable. Ask yourself: is this a real possibility for me? Do I have the time and the resources? If not, it may be time to reassess and redefine the goal.
Set a Timeline
Realizing where you are now and where you want to end up can be daunting. VALLEY encourages you to pull out a pen and some paper to start making this dream a reality. First, think about the steps it will take to get you to your ultimate goal. Estimate the time needed for each step and formulate a plan. Not only will a timeline help you stay on track, but it makes the journey seem a lot less intimidating. Additionally, when you finish a step from the timeline, you’ll find yourself feeling accomplished and excited, which will no doubt keep you going. “I spend a lot of time planning out the process,” says advertising and integrative arts major Kelsey Kretzer. “I space out the work that’s necessary to complete the goal.”
Have a Reason
Most importantly, find your ‘why.’ Try to recall the reason why you first made this goal. How will this benefit you? Why is this going to be worth it? It sounds simple, but somewhere along the way, you’ll probably forget why you started. Having your reasons written down somewhere will help you keep going when you’re in the middle of yoga class number 17 and you still can’t seem to master the crow pose.
Above all, have fun. It may not all be smooth sailing along the way, but what’s important is that you keep going and you keep trying. Even if you don’t end up becoming a master chef or professional golfer, it’s okay—at least you can say you tried, but it wasn’t for you.
