So just about everyone’s plans were de-railed over the past two years.

The impact of global uncertainty may have made everyone look at goal setting in a completely new way. Suddenly, changing the goal posts wasn’t just convenient but it was necessary, and we realised, as the world and situations around us change, should our goals really remain the same no matter what?

It’s realistic that as the world changes around us, so should our goals.

We’re here to say, goals don’t have to be totally fixed for you to find success in them.

Whilst changing from one goal to the opposite is still a bit extreme, unfocused, and may not get you very far, adjusting your goals within certain parameters as you go has become somewhat common.

So, how do we set goals in this ever-changing world, when we’ve always been taught to be so specific about goals?

Create a vision board for broad goals

For general and broad goals, it can be a fun exercise to build a vision board. This doesn’t have to be a literal board, though this is great to do, it can be online or even just written down words and scribbles in a notebook! This is great to set your mind on the right path, especially if you see your version of a vision board daily, like on your desk. It’s a great reminder to keep reaching and believing in yourself and your dreams.

Create overall and micro goals

When writing down your big goals, remember to list the smaller goals that lead to the big goal.

It’s important to take each day by day. One step at a time!

This allows you to feel encouraged every time you tick off something smaller on your list, and less overwhelmed by the bigger picture by focusing on only the next step. This can be great motivation to keep on going to eventually reach the big goal.

Still be specific but be open

Some goals are easier to stick to than others and aren’t as easily interrupted. For example, a fitness goal that you are solely responsible for is less likely to be interrupted than a work goal where you are working on a team where others are also responsible for the outcome. However, both could have obstacles such as injury or someone else not completing a task on time.

So, it can help to be flexible. If you are too attached to your specific or measurable outcomes it can be de-motivating when these don’t work out exactly as they could because of things out of your control. We recommend creating adjacent or expansion goals that will also feel satisfying once you reach them, and importantly, don’t be afraid to edit your goals slightly as you go and give yourself grace.

Build rewards into your goals

It always helps to have some incentive for your goals. Try creating small rewards for every micro goal you achieve. Then planning a great reward to look forward to once you’ve achieved your big goals.

Review your goals monthly

By reviewing your goals monthly, you not only remind yourself of what and why you’re trying to achieve, but you can also adjust them depending on any worldly changes.

Stick to it even when you face a hiccup

Sometimes it can be hugely discouraging when you fall off track. Most people give up altogether and just think, ‘well I can’t do it!’. But that is not necessarily the case. A hiccup is only a bump in the road, not a dead end. You can get back on track just as easily as you fell off. You only need to decide, ‘okay, this is a small setback, but I can do it!’. ​