Every year, millions of people set New Year’s resolutions, eagerly creating lists of things they want to accomplish. However, many find that by mid-January, those resolutions are already slipping into the background. Whether it’s to exercise more, lose weight, set a target to achieve with your horse, or within your personal life,  it’s easy to start strong but struggle with staying on track. But don’t worry—you’re not alone. The key to achieving your goals lies in setting realistic, attainable objectives and maintaining a healthy, encouraging mindset along the way.

This year for me- I set the usual one – of being more healthy and wanting to loose the few pounds that I put on easily, but struggle to shake.  My dog, who also got a bit pudgy is joining me on this goal to tone up, get fitter and get the weight I want to be – she might not know it – but she is what is going to keep me on track this year.  Her looking better will give me the incentive I need to do more shows with her – so my sole goal has a knock on effect of many things for the year. 

Setting Realistic Goals

The first step in achieving your goals is setting them in a way that is both motivating and manageable. It’s important to make sure your goals are specific, measurable, and achievable. Instead of vague resolutions like “get healthier” or “be more productive,” try to make them concrete and actionable.

For example, instead of saying, “I will exercise more,” try setting a goal like, “I will go for a 30-minute walk three times a week.” This makes the goal more tangible and gives you clear steps to follow. Similarly, if you’re aiming to improve your work-life balance, a goal like, “I will spend 30 minutes each evening reading a book I enjoy” is a concrete and achievable goal that can help you unwind after a busy day. Likewise, if your goal is to get out and compete with your horse – you can pick a show you are aiming for and a list of steps of what you need to do in preparation of being ready.

The Power of Tracking Progress

One of the most effective ways to stay on track is to keep track of your progress. Whether it’s through a journal, an app, or a simple calendar, monitoring your progress gives you a sense of accomplishment and can help you identify areas where you may need to adjust. For instance, if you’re working toward a fitness goal, logging your workouts will help you see how much you’ve improved over time.

However, tracking doesn’t just mean recording the wins—it also means being kind to yourself when things don’t go perfectly. Life can get busy, and you might miss a workout or two, you might not be on track with jumping the height you should be at a set time, or you might not have ticked everything on the list, but don’t let that derail your progress. Adjust your approach, set a new plan, and keep moving forward.

The Feeling of Accomplishment

The sense of pride and fulfillment when you finally achieve a goal is incomparable, it makes you feel absolutely amazing and achieving your goals brings a boost of confidence and satisfaction. It shows you that you have the ability to follow through and create real change in your life. When you reach your goal, take a moment to celebrate and acknowledge your hard work.

However, it’s essential to remember that success isn’t always linear. Sometimes it’s easy to feel discouraged when things aren’t going as planned. Progress often happens in waves—some days will feel like a breeze, while others might challenge you more than you expected. That’s perfectly normal.

Be Kind to Yourself

The most important part of goal-setting is to be compassionate with yourself along the way. It’s easy to get caught in the trap of perfectionism, especially when things aren’t progressing as fast as you hoped. But it’s important to remember that setbacks are a natural part of any journey, and they don’t mean you’ve failed. Rather than beating yourself up, view setbacks as learning opportunities. What can you change? What worked and what didn’t? Each step, whether successful or not, brings you closer to your ultimate goal.

If you fall behind or experience a roadblock, don’t give up altogether. Refocus and adjust your plan if needed. The beauty of New Year’s goals is that they’re not set in stone—they’re flexible. You can always pick yourself up and start again, with more knowledge and resilience than before.

Stay Positive and Celebrate Every Milestone

Even small progress deserves recognition. Celebrate every step, no matter how small it may seem. Whether it’s sticking to your workout plan for a month or completing a major project at work, take time to acknowledge your achievements. This positive reinforcement helps maintain motivation and reminds you that you are on the right path.

In the end, the most important thing about setting New Year’s goals is not perfection, but progress. By setting realistic and achievable goals, tracking your progress, and being kind to yourself, you can turn your New Year’s resolutions into a long-lasting and fulfilling reality. Keep going, stay positive, and remember that every step forward is worth celebrating!

In closing – it’s also worth remembering that when you are on a journey in a partnership – like me and my dog Dusty – or you and your horse, that they are unaware and not get downhearted if they are not achieving your goal as fast as you are. You can always work on something separate to them – for example, choose a nice show kit if you horse is having an off day – always find something to keep you moving forward!