Transform Your Year: A Holistic Approach to Goal Setting

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, many of us will make resolutions for the New Year, only to see them fade by February. The seconds between years are notable as many people look forward to this change in the clock and calendar to bring about small or significant changes in their lives.

The next day, we often plan to exercise more, save money, eat healthier, lose weight, reduce stress, abstain from alcohol, improve sleep, or learn a new skill.

Many of us make “resolutions” with the intention to become change makers overnight. However, we often fail in our attempts. We then revert to the comfort of past behaviors.

Our goals are often vague, and unrealistic, lack a sustainable plan, or neglect accountability from others. As a result, we tend to get discouraged, lose focus and motivation, and realize we are not quite ready to make that big change after all.

What if we adopted a different goal-setting approach that ensures success, balance, fulfillment, and impact instead of disappointment?

At Impacting Education, we advocate for a holistic approach to personal development. We believe that goal setting should follow a similar approach.

I believe this is the year you can finally transform your life by implementing a comprehensive and intentional approach to goal setting. When you focus on creating a balance in the important areas of your life, you can set goals that improve your overall happiness and well-being.

Traditional Approaches to Goal Setting

Most people are likely aware of the widely used SMART framework for goal setting. This includes:

The SMART approach to goal setting is great at prioritizing short-term achievement by defining specific, measurable outcomes. This can be useful in providing you direction by tracking your progress and sustaining motivation. Furthermore, this method can improve your planning and promote accountability.

However, there are also limitations to the SMART method. Due to its specific nature, the SMART approach can lead to a rigid approach that doesn’t account for personal growth or changing life circumstances. I have always been great at setting specific goals, but unexpected life events can interfere, and/or interests and priorities may change over time.

Another disadvantage is that it may overlook the importance of balancing different areas of life (e.g., wellness, relationships, community). This could potentially lead to feelings of unhappiness, burnout, or a lack of fulfillment. It may also not consider your long-term vision of purpose and impact.

In comparison, a holistic approach can ensure that our personal development journey is both sustainable and fulfilling. Given that both methods have advantages, I believe both can be integrated effectively for greater results in personal growth.

Holistic Approach to Goal Setting

In recent years, I have embraced a holistic approach to goal setting that includes incorporating the important areas of my life such as health, relationships, finance, personal growth, service, and fun. This inclusive strategy has been carefully designed to align with my mission and long-term vision.

A holistic approach can account for the larger context of your life by aligning your values and accounting for your long-term vision. Furthermore, this method can incorporate well-being, emotional fulfillment, relationships, and achievements since all these aspects can be interconnected.

Overall, finding a balance between short-term goals with a long-term vision can encourage growth by fostering self-awareness, adaptability, and improved alignment with purpose. In turn, creating a more meaningful and sustainable path to impact.

Goal Integration Example

I will provide an example of how I have used running over the years to improve my health, develop relationships, and contribute to important causes for giving.

Sample goal: Improve overall well-being by combining physical health, relationships, and community service.

1. Physical Health:
   • Goal: “Increase physical activity by participating in a local charity run.”
   • Action Steps: Sign up for a charity run, train regularly, and track progress.
2. Relationships:
   • Goal: “Strengthen relationships by involving friends and family in the charity run.”
   • Action Steps: Invite friends and family to join the run, organize group training sessions, and plan post-run celebrations.
3. Community Service:
   • Goal: “Contribute to the community by raising funds for a local charity through the run.”
   • Action Steps: Set up a fundraising page, promote the cause on social media, and engage with the community to gather support.

This is just one example where you can create a plan that improves multiple areas of your life simultaneously, making the process more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Staying Motivated

Life is unpredictable, and staying motivated can be tough. Here are some tips to keep you moving forward.

Take Home Points

As we enter another year, I encourage you to take a different and inclusive approach to setting goals. Instead of using the term resolution, be intentional by writing down your goals and taking ownership of them. Consider setting goals in the following domains: Health/Wellness, Relationships, Financial, Growth/Learning, Career, Fun, and Community Service.

Start by choosing one area to focus on today, write down why it matters to you, and one small action you will take this week. Additionally, find something or someone to help hold you accountable. Lastly, make time to reflect on your progress and focus on your physical and mental well-being.

Consider the following quote:

“We tend to overestimate what we can do in a day, but underestimate what we can accomplish in a year.”

This can serve as a reminder for setting long-term goals to achieve significant outcomes.

Remember that meaningful goals aren’t just about reaching the finish line, they are about growing along the journey.

I hope you accomplish something special in the coming year(s) and that your pursuits bring you needed joy and fulfillment in your life.

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