Make this your one goal for 2020

Every year we hear the same goals repeated time and time again. Many of us (I am guilty) set a goal for losing weight, making more money, or cutting back on bad habits. This year I am encouraging everybody to make more goals aimed at their self-care.

Now, the goals listed above are not bad goals, they are wonderful and fit under the self-care umbrella. I want more people to set positive goals and put themselves first in 2020. Taking care of yourself is different for everybody so our goals are not all going to be the same. For me, I need to take more time to myself and do more physical activity to feel healthy. Other people might need to get outside more or cut back on electronics. If you have anxiety, you might want to go to the gym more to get rid of that anxious energy. If you are feeling disconnected to your spouse, you could set a weekly date night to reconnect. Figure out what types of things will make you more happy and start there.

Then you need to make a goal you can stick to all year long. You can make your goals SMART. This means:

Instead of saying, "I am going to lose weight this year." You can make more specific goals in the areas you are lacking, "I am going to the gym 3 times a week for 30 minutes in January." Then, you can evaluate yourself. Another example would be, "I am going on 2 dates a month with my spouse" or "I am going to play golf with my friends every other week." Whatever the goals is, make sure it is a SMART goal.

You need to track your progress and keep yourself accountable. Different strategies work for different people. You can write your goals on post-its and post them where you will see them everyday, you can set reminders on your phone, or you can even write it in lipstick on your bathroom mirror. Whatever works for YOU.

I hope these tips help you with your 2020 goals. Make it a great decade!