Finishing Out 2020 On a High Note: Tips for Setting Goals

We know 2020 hasn’t gone the way any of us had planned, having been through so many twists and turns. It has been a rough year. But don’t let that discourage you! We are on the final spurt of the year and not only is this an important time to reflect and review, but it is also a time to prepare and celebrate moving forward to finish strong. Here are a few tips to push the reset button and end the year on a high note.

Begin Anew with Realistic Goals

So much has occurred this year - between changes in employment, county lockdowns, and social distancing protocols. It’s time to start fresh with new goals for your new year with the understanding that our lifestyle has changed, and a “new normal” is transpiring. With that in mind, wrapping up 2020 entails reassessing what is important to you and setting new goals with realistic timelines. And although you may not be able to measure your success as you did before, it’s okay. Start small, take it one step at a time.

Reflect on Your Budgeting and Expenses

Financial situations have been a common source of stress for many Americans this year. The pandemic hit us hard and left millions of people in difficult conditions. Because of this, we need to reevaluate our spending habits in order to budget our finances within our limits and reallocate our money wisely. This calls for the canceling of unnecessary subscriptions and reducing monthly services to cut costs and prepare for the year ahead.

Prioritize Your Mental Health

For many of us, the stress from staying home has taken its toll - not being able to go out and see our friends and family, missing out on big events like birthdays and weddings, and abrupt changes in employment have been leaving many of us lonely, anxious, and even depressed. We need to make our mental health a priority to stay healthy in order to build momentum and stay strong throughout the year. Set out goals that include stress-relieving self-care activities like meditation, baking, and daily walks to help relax and ease anxiety. Make sure to reach out to your loved ones if you ever feel overwhelmed. Don’t forget that you are not alone!

Welcome Change

Although 2020 has brought us many trials and tribulations, we need to start embracing these changes instead of having a negative outlook on them. Our world is evolving and will continue to evolve whether we’re ready or not. Don’t fight the new and uncertain, instead, try to find small pleasures in these unexpected situations. Go at your own pace when setting goals and be sure to break them down into small bites to help you celebrate easy wins. These small victories in the wake of change will help you stay motivated and on top of your goals throughout 2021!