Goal Setting 2022

With 2022 approaching, it’s time to consider how we want to enter the new year and what we want to leave behind in 2021. I have never been a huge fan of New Year’s Resolutions, as they usually end up being empty promises I make to myself. For me, the process of reflecting and goal setting at the turn of the year is much more productive than my past attempts at quick fixes have been. 

Setting realistic goals is so hard! One thing I have found to really help me is reflecting on my core values and determining which areas of my life feel most out of sync. One very important thing to remember is that you cannot make goals based on what is in the media or what you think you should be doing. You have to find incongruencies between your core values and your actual life to motivate an intrinsic desire to work towards a goal. Otherwise, these goals will simply not get completed. 

I actually used an activity I completed for my Intro to Cognitive Neuroscience class as my basis for goal setting this year. In this activity, you are supposed to list five ways you aspire to spend your time (relating to your core values) and then five ways you actually spend your time on a day to day basis. Once you see what is out of balance, you can determine what you would like to make a goal for the new year. 

One similarity between all goals is that consistency is key! Also, it’s not just the end goal but the little victories along the way that are important and motivate you to keep going. While everyone’s goals are going to be different, I thought I would share a couple of mine for 2022 with you all 🙂

In 2022, I aspire to…

  • Train for a half marathon (shoutout ND Holy Half)
  • Create a capsule wardrobe (by cleansing my closet and only buying things that I love)
  • Reflect or journal daily (even if it’s just a line)
  • Redirect my negative and stressful thoughts (the brain is a muscle!)
  • Focus on daily self-care (take time to get ready and feel pretty in the morning)
  • Base my self-worth on my own opinions, not those of others (definitely my most lofty/unsure but important goal 🙂
  • Post weekly on Everything El (write every time inspiration strikes)

One way I plan on holding myself accountable to these goals is creating some type of visual that embodies my goals to hang at my desk as a daily motivator. I hope all of you can find the time to reflect a little and prepare your mindset to have the best year yet and stay safe in 2022!