The Two Essential Ingredients to successful Goal Setting

Are you all talk and no walk when it comes to achieving your New Year's resolutions?

It's not your fault - you might just not know the two key ingredients you need to make your goals a reality. 

Before we dive into goal setting let's start with what actually is a goal according to scientists.

'Any desired outcome that wouldn't otherwise happen without you doing something.'

What this means is your goal needs to involve some kind of action and is likely to create some friction or resistance in your life. It's not something that's just going to happen, it's going to require you to do something new.

Think about the coming year. What is an area of your life that you want to improve or where do you want to make a new goal?

if you are struggling to think of what your goals are for this year then you can take this approach, instead of thinking forwards think in reverse.  Imagine it's the end of your life, what would you have liked to have achieved? Research shows that thinking in this way really helps you to focus on what's really important to you. 

A recent podcast by Mel Robbins talked about the two key components that any successful goal needs according to research from the University of Oregon and you'll love this!

The Will & The Way.

These two essential ingredients refer to the motivational and emotional aspects of behaviour change. Without both being present you won't be able to achieve your goals.

Here are 3 questions to help you find your will or 'why'. 

• Why is the behaviour change important to you?
• Why do you want to change?
• Why now?