Stress Less Chesters

This just might be my least favorite time of year. It's so disheartening to hear from so many people that setting goals at New Year's is dumb or a waste of time or that goals are just one more thing at which they fail. 

News flash: Nobody is grading you. 

When I hear people talk about it, I can't help but wonder if they just don't understand how to set goals. There's absolutely no reason why anyone should be frustrated, angry or feeling like a loser just from trying to make changes. Changes that they want, might I add. There are other ways to approach this. 

If you're consistently unable to reach your goals, you may want to rethink your strategy. Don't set yourself up for failure. If you set concurrent goals to lose 30 pounds and to stop smoking, you are probably going to fail. Or wind up in prison for killing a coworker from the stress. Decide which goal is more important for health, financial or social reasons and go after that one. There's always next year to take on the other. 

Tip: If you want to lose 30 pounds, don't set a goal of losing 30 pounds. Set a goal of losing five pounds and then reward yourself with an evening of your favorite magazines and a bubble bath. Then set another five pound goal with a reward attached. You're going to be a lot less stressed, feel achievement at every milestone (which is great for keeping you motivated), and you'll reach the end goal with a lot better frame of mind. And a lot of magazines. 

If you always associate goals with limits/deprivation/pain/punishment, again, rethink your strategy. Nobody died and made you a tyrant. Sure you may want to set a goal to limit sweets or go to the gym more often but who says you can't also have a goal to go out to lunch with your best friend every month? Or buy yourself flowers every payday? My personal fun goal this year is to dance like a drunken monkey every day. Ten days in and it's my favorite part of the day. Look for something fun that will add enjoyment and laughter to your life. 

If you set a goal and don't reach it for whatever reason, avoid the negative self-talk. Celebrate the fact that you identified the change you want to make. There are people who can't even get that far. Review it to see if it can be broken down into smaller, more manageable/achievable goals and start again. Or if you need help, ask. If you just need more time, give it to yourself. You are in control. And throw in another fun goal just to keep up your spirits. 

If you are just repulsed at calling it a goal, call it Chester. It really is that simple.