There was a time when everyone had their list of resolutions ready before counting down to the New Year. Today, it’s not that common. Following through with the list was more challenging than creating one. From personal experience, that was me from one year to another.
Last year, during the last week of December, I tossed my list of resolutions that would never be met and created one big goal that I had been thinking about for a while but was too afraid to pursue. I used “Fearless Goal” to motivate myself and others to pursue something that sounded less intimidating in a way that could be measured throughout the year.
Not only did I change my perspective and approach, but I also changed my mindset.
My fearless goal was to create a website for my business and write monthly content about nutrition and leading a healthier life.
Adding the word “fearless” to my goal still didn’t remove my fear, self-doubt, and defeating thoughts of everything that could go wrong. It’s normal to feel this way.
However, after thinking about what was driving my purpose and what I wanted my outcome to be at the end of the following year, I put my fearless goal in place and followed my approach.
A year later, I’m thrilled to share that my fearless goal approach has paid off. My website has been live since last December, and I have published thirty articles!
This sense of accomplishment is truly fulfilling, and I want you to experience this, too.
We’ve all had to struggle with tuning out those voices in our minds that give us reasons to abandon anything we set out to do the minute we’re faced with an unexpected setback.
That’s why having a measurable approach that encourages self-feedback and positive self-reflection can make all the difference. It’s a journey of accomplishing something through deep introspection and growth.
I’m going for it again this year, except changing the word fearless to courageous goal. I realized that fear will always exist, but it takes courage to do it anyway.
If the idea of a courageous goal gets you thinking and excited about going after something that continues to wake you up at night, grab your favorite pen or your mouse and begin by asking yourself, “What is the one thing I want to have or do by this time next year that terrifies me? Now, get ready and release the courage to go after it! Try this approach by following these three steps:
Find that ultimate motivating factor
Understanding the one thing driving your desire and what you hope it will do for you helps ensure your goal is clear and attainable.
Use a journal to answer these questions: “Why can’t I stop thinking about this?” ” Why do I keep postponing going after it? ” What self-talk have I been having with myself convincing me not to go after it? ” “What has to change in my life so I can pursue this goal?” “Are there any skills I need to learn to help me get there faster? “How will it make me a better person?”
Revisit your answers and add more details throughout the year to keep you focused on that ultimate desire. Use your journal to recharge your motivation and courage when doubt shows up without warning.
The more you connect with your goal, the more determined you’ll be to achieve it.
Anyone can hand you your favorite pen or place the mouse on the pad, but only your genuine desire can make it a reality.
Break the goal down into measurable, smaller steps
This is where you could assess your progress towards achieving your courageous goal by seeing visual proof that your actions are working and achievable.
Divide the goal into smaller steps and decide what parts you want to complete within a specific timeframe.
It helps to divide the year into one—to four-month timelines to assess your progress along the way and keep you focused on the outcome—completing your goal by the end of 2025.
Be realistic and honest with yourself during each section. It’s better to finish each timeline earlier than later.
On the other hand, if you do not accomplish what you set out to do by that specific time frame, take the time to evaluate what part of the goal you did not achieve and what needs to change.
Engage in self-talk with encouragement and constructive criticism to make necessary changes and keep going rather than giving up. This may be a good time to revisit your journal.
Remember, it’s a process, so making mistakes is expected and okay. This personal and tangible feedback allows you to make necessary changes to your progress towards that satisfying feeling waiting for you at the finish line.
Release the fear of failing
No one wants to dampen the excitement of starting something new by considering the possibility of failure, but failure is a reality that happens sometimes.
Chasing your desires requires a significant leap of faith into the unknown. This unknown life outside your comfort zone cannot be controlled and may result in failure.
The word “failure” scares most of us because it is associated with success or the lack thereof, especially when we compare ourselves to others and how we will be viewed if we fail.
However, have you ever stopped to consider that anything you have created in the past has happened in that space of the unknown? Fear of judgment and embarrassment will only get in the way of this journey.
If failure should happen, it can be a valuable opportunity to learn from your mistakes. It’s not a dead end but a chance for redirection and growth.
Before you begin, could you consider whether your heart’s desire is more important than the fear of failure?
If the answer is yes, then go for it! You never know all the wonderful and unexpected things you can discover about yourself and the accomplishments you will gain by crossing the finish line.
Takeaway: Long-term goals are often unmet because of a lack of focus and clarity about what inspires your internal motivation. You’re halfway there when you find your ultimate desire to accomplish your goal.
Breaking a large goal into smaller steps allows you to evaluate your progress and make necessary changes to complete it. However, none of the above can happen unless you’re willing to take a risk and enter the space of the unknown.
So now ask yourself, what’s more important? Going after what you want or avoiding the possibility of failure?
I’m rooting for you to choose the Courageous Goal. Let me know how it goes, and if you need more encouragement, we can tackle it together. I wish you a Happy New Year and a courageous 2025!