New Year, New You: 6 Tips for Setting and Achieving Your Goals

New year’s resolutions are a great way to set goals and start the year off on the right foot, but let’s be honest: it’s often easier said than done. It can be challenging to stay motivated and follow through on our resolutions, especially if we’re dealing with other stressors and demands in our lives. So how can we make new year’s resolutions that we’ll actually stick to?

First, let’s look at the differences between Scandinavian and American approaches to goal-setting. As a Danish writer, I can tell you that we Scandinavians tend to be a bit more laid-back when it comes to goals. We might resolve to “exercise more” or “eat healthier,” but we’re not necessarily going to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals like our American counterparts. Instead, we tend to take a more relaxed approach, focusing on overall well-being and happiness rather than specific achievements.

Now, don’t get me wrong – there’s nothing wrong with setting SMART goals and striving for success. But sometimes the pressure to achieve can be overwhelming, and it’s important to remember that there’s more to life than just achieving our goals. So, in the spirit of Scandinavian hygge, here are a few tips to help you stay motivated and achieve your goals while still taking time to relax and enjoy the journey:

1. Make specific and achievable goals. While we Scandinavians might not be as goal-oriented as Americans, it can still be helpful to set specific and achievable goals. This makes it easier to track your progress and feel a sense of accomplishment as you make progress towards your goals.
2. Create a plan. Once you’ve set your goals, take some time to think about how you’ll achieve them. What small steps can you take to move closer to your goal? What resources or support do you need to make it happen? Having a plan in place can help you stay focused and on track.
3. Get accountability. It can be helpful to enlist the support of a friend, family member, or coach to help you stay motivated and on track. Having someone to check in with and hold you accountable can be a powerful motivator. Just be sure to choose someone who won’t nag you too much – we Scandinavians value our peace and quiet!
4. Celebrate your wins. Don’t forget to celebrate your successes along the way! Whether it’s a small win like making it to the gym three times in a week or a bigger milestone like running a 5K, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements. This can help you stay motivated and keep your focus on your long-term goals.
5. Be kind to yourself. Remember that it’s okay to make mistakes or have setbacks. It’s natural to have ups and downs as you work towards your goals, and it’s important to be kind to yourself and give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned.
6. Keep it fresh. If you find that you’re losing motivation, it can be helpful to mix things up and try new things. This might mean finding a new workout routine, trying a new recipe, or setting a new goal to work towards. Keeping things fresh and interesting can help you stay engaged and motivated.

So there you have it – a few tips for making new year’s resolutions and staying motivated, with a Scandinavian twist. Remember to set specific and achievable goals, create a plan, get accountability, celebrate your wins, be kind to yourself!