At the beginning of 2022, I attempted a vision board for the first time! Having read and heard a lot of inspirational things about vision boards, I decided to put it to the test. The beginning of the year seemed like a great time to reset. Therefore, I put down my goals on paper in the form of a vision board. And how did I do? At the beginning of the year, I had 13 goals on my vision board. I checked my board yesterday, and guess how many goals I accomplished? All 13? Half? Nope, I achieved four goals out of 13. That’s about 30%.

Was I disappointed about my performance last year? Actually, no. I was, in fact, slightly bemused. Of the 13 goals, I can say at least four don’t seem important to me anymore. It did not feel like it was the right time for another two. Finally, one or two would have been nice if achieved. But here is the kicker, I accomplished a lot last year that was not even on my radar. There were things I did not even know I needed that I was able to accomplish. And let’s not forget the beautiful moments and experiences that cannot fit into concrete goals. You will agree that not every moment or experience can fit nicely into the “goal list.” So, how should we approach our vision and goal-setting for the New Year?

A Practical Approach to Goal Setting

Studies show that our conscious goals affect what we achieve. Also, the more specific our goals are, the higher the chance we will achieve them.

It is great to have goals. Goals give us hope and something to work towards daily. What is not okay is to limit yourself to those goals only and refuse to step outside the box. Also, try not to lose hope when you don’t accomplish your goals.

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand (Proverbs 19:21, ESV)

I love second, third, and more chances. That’s why I love my fitness tracker. Every day, at midnight, everything resets to zero, and I know I get another chance. It does not matter how many steps I took the previous day or how many activity rings I closed. Seeing that it’s a new beginning every day gives me hope.

Therefore, take the time to reset by following these steps: 

1) You may want to give vision boards a try. To learn more about vision boards, check out “What is on Your Vision Board for the New Year?” 

2) Set and adjust your goals for the New Year! Setting goals is therapeutic because it gives you renewed hope. And if there is anything we all need, it is to always be hopeful for a brighter future.

3) Be flexible with your goals. Believe it or not, your plans may not be what God wants for you now. Therefore, you may need to keep resetting your goals now and again.

4) If and when you fail to accomplish your goals, never lose hope! Instead, be ready to rise and try again.

How to Reset

To reset means to have renewed hope and faith for the future. The word reset means to set something again or differently. Resetting something means you are starting it over again or adjusting it. As you take time to reset in 2023, consider these 5 principles to help you grow and be successful.

1) Set challenging goals

Your goals have to challenge you to move to the next level. If your goal is too easy, you will easily meet it and therefore miss the opportunity for growth from overcoming your challenges.

2) Have a faith-based vision

Faith is a firm belief in something for which there is no proof. Your vision is a picture of something you cannot yet fathom or understand. If you can plan every step of how your vision will happen, you may need a bigger vision and deeper faith.

3) Desire positive change  

Create goals to move you from the status quo to something more positive.

4) Focus on what is relevant to you

Your goals or vision should be important to you, personally. Avoid creating your vision or goal based on what is trending or your friends’ accomplishments.

5) Set SMART goals

Many people make New Year’s resolutions. However, it is common knowledge that most people abandon their New Year resolutions relatively early in the year. Now, taking the time to reset is not the same as having New Year resolutions. First, you can reset at any time, and second, setting SMART goals will improve your chance of success! SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-based.

Final Thoughts

Although it can be done at any time, the beginning of a new year is a great time to reset for most people. What 2022 goal do you still need to accomplish? Or what changes were you hoping for that never materialized? Well, it is time to reset. You get a new chance to start over in 2023. After all, there are no laws against carrying goals over to the following year.

As much as I like my fitness tracker and how it presents me with a clean slate daily, it does keep a remembrance log. At the end of my week or month, I get a report on my performance. Or I could check my history right now and find out how well I did yesterday or last week. The fact that my fitness tracker still has my past performances on file makes me even more appreciative of God’s divine reset. I am grateful that God wipes our slates clean without keeping records of our past sins and failures.

Lastly, as you plan for the New Year, why not start with a clean slate? Why not be like our creator and forget the past? Instead of dwelling on past regrets and failures, why not look toward the future with renewed hope and faith?

Finally, as you take time to reset in any area of your life this new year, I wish you success, and have a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Yours in health and fitness,

Doctor Abi