Last year I attempted to set a short term goal each month (click here to read more about how I did it). I’ll just go ahead and admit off the bat some months were more productive than others. While I wasn’t always consistent, I noticed three things during the months I stuck to my guns. The first being I felt accomplished and therefore fucking amazing. The second, the habit I established carried over to the next month(s). The third and final, my success motivated me to start a new goal the following month. That got me thinking about my macro approach to goals throughout any given year. Instead of one or a few major resolutions, I’m opting for 12 short term monthly goals. My hope is by doing so these short term goals will add up to a fitter and healthier lifestyle.

The best part about short term goals is just that – their duration. Short and sweet. I’ve found that 30-ish days is the perfect amount of time to stay motivated to achieve a goal and simultaneously develop a habit.That’s the magic about short term goals: 30 days is long enough time to see progress in yourself but short enough to fend off any dips in motivation.

Let’s break this process down:

• To start, you determine your action plan, your sacrifices and how you will measure success
• You begin to take action, you start completing the activities needed to progress and start to meet your goals
• As time goes on and months pass, you start to feel the continuing sense of accomplishment as you consistently crush the goals you set, leading to a sense of validation that you’re doing something right 
• The uptick in emotion leads to better decision making, self discipline and a renewing sense of motivation

While it may be easier said than done, it surely is easier to manage than a singular goal or resolution that can easily be derailed throughout the duration of a year. By planning a macro goal on a micro level you can achieve long term goals through a short term lens and find a lot of fulfillment (and success) along the way.

Continue to follow along for my task to tackle in January and let me know if you’re doing something similar.

Cover image via Les Exploreatrices