Achieving your goals in 2023

I don’t claim to have all the answers myself, but as someone who aspires to continually improve and is always working on something, I thought it might be helpful to share what has worked for me.

Welcome everyone to a new year, and I hope it was a restful festive season for you all.

With 2023 kicking off and many people setting resolutions for the new year, I thought I’d share some insights that might help with achieving your goals in the new year.

I don’t claim to have all the answers myself, but as someone who aspires to continually improve and is always working on something, I thought it might be helpful to share what has worked for me.

The first piece of advice I would share is reading the book Atomic Habits by James Clear.

The Personnel Group’s leaders know that this is a favourite of mine, and I often reference it.

It helps me go beyond just good intentions and find real, practical solutions to improve behaviours and habits.

It is predicated on the principle that small changes, repeated habitually, have enormous impacts.

I’ve seen this in action personally and have many examples of where what might seem like a very minor change can be game-changing over time.

My second piece of advice is to employ a continual improvement mindset.

Acknowledge that you are always learning and growing and that occasional failure is part of that.

New Year resolutions often stumble at the first hurdle, and we lose confidence in our ability to change.

Change takes time and is rarely linear. Keep working on it, learn from your mistakes, and take an active approach to your growth.

I strongly encourage people to read, watch or listen to things that can help them achieve their goals.

Change won’t happen if we aren’t willing to take steps toward it.

My third insight is to get a support crew.

Find people around you with similar goals or who can help you achieve yours.

Sharing your goals provides accountability and focus that you just can’t get when it is internalised.

Don’t be afraid to ask for coaching, mentoring, a buddy, or just plain old support, if these will help.

Be open and invite feedback and use it to improve and get better.

I’ve occasionally used an accountability buddy – someone who checks in with you regularly to see how you are progressing with a goal, and this can be really effective.

On the flip side, you should also be prepared to create space from people or places likely to derail your progress.

And lastly – while a new year is a great opportunity for a fresh start – don’t let that limit you from starting on a new goal at any stage of the year.

Have a wonderful 2023, and best of luck with achieving all your goals!