How to do goals differently in 2021
No one cared about ticking off goals in 2020 - least not by the end of it.
The main objective for most of us in the year that shook the world, became simply getting through. But what lots of us did unexpectedly achieve was a deeper level of reflection and a better understanding of how we want to live.
Of course, the big lesson of 2020 was that the world has other plans to our plans. We have less control than perhaps we think, and the more we can be open-minded, resilient and invested in life’s simple pleasures, all the better for our well-being.
We need to find joy in the present moment, and in our small daily actions. If we’re making resolutions for the year ahead, it’s best we base these around slow and steady, life-enhancing habits that we can feasibly do every day. And with a focus on being kinder to ourselves.
Here are 5 ways to grow gently in 2021..
1. Think systems, not goals
Goals can be good for setting direction but systems are best for making progress.
SYSTEMS are the series of behaviours and actions we take that lead us to our desired outcomes.
Working on our systems means we develop consistent, long-term habits and efficiencies that help us to grow. In James Clear’s personal development book Atomic Habits, he explains that we fare better when we’re concerned with our current trajectory than our current results, and that if we “fall in love with the process rather than the product”, we’ll feel satisfied any time the system is running.
Focusing on systems as opposed to goals boosts our motivation; there’s no moving goalpost or feelings of failure if we don’t meet our targets.
And the principle applies perfectly to eco living; sustainability practises we introduce at home, like composting or growing our own food, reducing waste or plastic use, different forms of activism. We can get great satisfaction in making small daily tweaks to our process, without the need for immediate reward - or in some cases any tangible result at all. (That said, your first homegrown tomato will have you feeling pretty good!)
2. Understand what needs to change
Take time to reflect on the year that has passed, what worked and what didn’t.
We’re not going to jump at the prospect of revisiting 2020, let’s be honest. But devoting a bit of time to retrospection at the start of the new year can be useful.
Ask yourself these questions to help you improve your systems:
What worked well in 2020, and what behaviours didn’t serve me?
What do I want to do differently in 2021?
What are the potential obstacles or threats to these new systems?
What resources have helped me grow over the last year that I can continue to draw on?
(Are there podcasts, books or blogs that inspire me, that I can incorporate into my daily routines?)
“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger.”
3. Focus on emotional wellness
Build systems around joy, self care, connecting with others and emotional wellbeing.
Journalling is just one incredibly simple but effective way to enhance feelings of wellness and relieve stress.
Note down what you’re grateful for as part of a morning ritual, or record your daily moments of positivity, kindness, forgiveness and self compassion before going to bed.
Be sure to recognise day-to-day resilience, acts of strength, and your ability to relieve your own anxiety. Too often we let these victories pass us by with little if any acknowledgement. Take every opportunity to celebrate moments of self-empowerment or preservation!
4. Aim to help others
Research shows helping others succeed gives our lives purpose and meaning, making us happier and more positive.
As a result, we have more energy and motivation to pursue our true passions and enjoy our own successes. Actively supporting others also removes our competitiveness or tendency to compare achievements.
5. Embrace sustainable living
Consider some sustainable living goals that benefit the planet, as well as your physical and mental health.
This might be nurturing your own veggie patch, embracing minimalism, spending more time in nature, eating seasonally and more homemade meals, or developing new DIY skills. Start small, try just one new thing a month, and reevaluate your systems at the end of each month to see how well it’s been working.