As the new year rapidly approaches, many people are starting to think of what they want to accomplish—whether it’s climbing a higher grade, overcoming a plateau, or improving nutrition. However, a common pitfall many people find themselves in is setting goals that are too unattainable. So how can you set goals that you can actually stick to? Here’s six tips to make sure your resolutions are both challenging and achievable.
1. Reflect on the Past Year
Before diving into new goals, take a moment to reflect on the past year. What did you accomplish? What goals did you fall short of? Understanding where you’ve succeeded and where you’ve struggled will provide valuable insight into your habits, mindset, and priorities. Even if you didn’t accomplish everything you wanted, the great news is you can always start again.
2. Be Specific
Vague resolutions are harder to achieve because they lack clear direction. Instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” specify exactly what that means to you. For instance, “I want to commit to attending a weekly fitness class.” is much more specific. It gives you a measurable goal, a timeline, and an actionable plan.
3. Set Realistic Timeframes
While it’s important to set deadlines, make sure they are realistic. Setting an overly ambitious timeline can lead to frustration and burnout. Be honest with yourself about how much time you can realistically dedicate to each goal. If you want to climb three grades higher, lift significantly more, or master working with certain holds chances are it won’t happen when you walk into the gym tomorrow and that’s okay.
4. Stay Flexible
Life doesn’t always go as planned. Unexpected hurdles can arise, and sometimes things simply don’t work out as we envision them. Flexibility is key when it comes to achieving goals. If you hit a setback, don’t view it as failure—adjust your timeline, modify your approach, or even reframe your goals as necessary.
5. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Setting realistic goals isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Acknowledge that you won’t always achieve every goal perfectly, but if you are moving forward and making progress, you’re on the right track. Celebrate the small wins along the way and be kind to yourself during moments of setback.
6. Accountability and Support
Finally, share your climbing or fitness goals with a training partner or a coach. Finding someone to hold you accountable can make a huge difference in your commitment to your goals. Having people alongside you on the journey can make a world of difference and make moments of wins even more special.
Creating realistic goals for the new year doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. By reflecting on your past achievements, breaking down big goals into smaller steps, and staying flexible when challenges arise, you can stay on track and make meaningful strides to achieve all that you want to. Remember, consistency is key, and every small win adds up over time. Stay patient, keep pushing your limits, and most importantly, enjoy the journey as you work toward your goals. The new year is a fresh start, so embrace it with the right mindset and set yourself up for an amazing year!