If you have not done so already, it’s time to make your resolutions for 2024! Making resolutions gives us the opportunity to start off the new year with a clean slate to focus on our goals and aspirations for the new year. To be successful, it is important to think about your resolutions and the steps to get there along with any challenges you may face along the way. We get it, working towards resolutions can be difficult to stick to for a month let alone a full year! But we are here to help you map your approach so meeting your goal is realistic and achievable.
Whether your resolutions are physical, mental, or thrill-seeking bucket list items, all are attainable regardless of how hectic your daily schedule is while you are working and living your dream as a healthcare traveler. Why we have broken down some best practices to help you not only reach your goals this year, but to help your goals become a part of your daily lifestyle.
Plan Your Goals in Advance
Believe it or not, planning and making a game plan is a crucial step to achieving your goals. So, spend some time determining what is most important for you to accomplish throughout 2024 and what it will take to get there. Ensure that each of your goals is attainable and can be added to your daily routine by setting aside time and making yourself a priority. When your resolutions cannot realistically be a part of your daily routine, they are harder to reach and easier to give up.
Once you’ve taken some time to determine what your goals are, the next step is planning how to achieve them. In this phase, you will consider everything such as:
- How often will you be working towards it?
- What is an appropriate duration of time?
- At what point will you mix things up?
- What will each step look like?
- If any of your goals can be quantified, what number are you striving for? (For example the number of books you would like to read or 14ers you would like to climb).
Along with planning the how, plan to celebrate the little wins. Making these changes so they become a part of your lifestyle takes time and consistency. That’s why it’s critical to celebrate your efforts along the way.
Take It One Step at a Time
Once you have your plan of action ready, it’s time to get after it! Keep in mind that it can be overwhelming working on all your goals at once. So, don’t! Start with one each month so that you can focus on one goal at a time and really make it a part of your routine.
After each month of focusing on a single goal, you can slowly introduce the next. This ensures you are still progressing while prioritizing and making intentional efforts to stay consistent along the way. Taking it one step at a time will help you get used to managing your time and making adjustments that will slowly become a part of your lifestyle.
A great way to keep yourself organized and on track is using the Make It Happen Daily Planner. That way each week/month you can document your progress and have your plan of action all in the same place. Documenting your overall progress and setbacks is key to reaching your goals because if we don’t see progress or can be honest with ourselves about where we are in the journey, it’s easier to give up. Success is not a straight line and almost always has setbacks. It’s your job to recognize the setback and use it as motivation to keep going.
Spreading out your goals throughout the year is the best way to ensure that you not only reach your goals but is a great way to build a healthy lifestyle at your own pace. Remember that reaching your goals is not something that needs to be overwhelming or stressful but exhilarating and rewarding.
Hold Yourself Accountable
Holding yourself accountable is taking responsibility for the discipline, hard work, and consistency needed to reach your goals. While it’s no secret that sticking to your goals is challenging and takes time which is why it can be difficult to stay motivated and disciplined. But keep in mind your original motivation for choosing the objective so you don’t lose sight of the overall picture. Here are some additional tips to help you stay accountable throughout the journey:
- Find an accountability partner- Perhaps a fellow traveler working towards their goals, or a friend/significant other from home whom you can discuss your progress with and help keep you on track.
- Take it one step at a time: Don’t overwhelm yourself with too much at once. Ease into it.
- Schedule your time: Set aside designated time each week to work on your goals—that way it is built into your daily schedule.
- Reward yourself: Celebrate the small wins! The journey can be timely and difficult so remember to reward yourself for your hard work and discipline.
Remember the reasoning behind your goal and use that as motivation to push yourself through the hardship. In addition to holding yourself accountable, it’s most important to be kind to yourself throughout the process because YOU CAN DO IT!
Whatever you aspire to accomplish throughout the new year, take it at your own pace. As a healthcare traveler, we know that you work long hours, and it can be difficult to prioritize yourself. Which can make your personal goals feel out of reach, but they don’t need to. You have the luxury of doing what you love while traveling across the country, in a way most people dream of. Not to mention all of the bucket list opportunities being a healthcare traveler has to offer! So, bring in the new year by knocking items off your bucket list, reaching your personal goals, and focusing on your happiness! Start 2024 off right with a new travel adventure and a way to make your resolutions last beyond a year!
