Why You Should Break Down Your Yearly Goal?
Why should you break your annual goal into quarters? Whether your goal is to lose 40 pounds by the end of the year or achieve another big milestone, breaking it into smaller goals, such as losing 10 pounds per quarter, can make the whole process much easier and more enjoyable. Here are some reasons why:
1. Easy To Manage
As many people tend to set big goals at the beginning of the year, especially right after the holiday or beginning of January, motivation is at its peak. New Year is considered a fresh start, and many people feel highly motivated to form new habits or pursue self-improvement goals. The most common goals you often hear people talk about include going to the gym more often, participating in Dry January, or running a marathon. There are 365 days in a year, and planning your big goal for the entire year can be challenging without breaking those big goals into smaller steps, which can be called checkpoints.
Instead, breaking your goals into quarters provides manageable checkpoints every three months, four times a year. This will allow your mind and body to adapt to a new hobby or routine slowly but steadily. It is also about being consistent and checking in on yourself regularly to review your progress and performance. Is it time to readjust the goal? Is it realistic and sustainable? Quarterly checkpoints are a great opportunity to take a quick look at your performance and remind yourself how close you are to achieving your goal.
2. Less Overwhelming
Imagine planning to climb a mountain. Some people may already feel a setback in the first few seconds just thinking about this highly physical activity. It ingrains in your mind how many challenges you may face. Is it possible? Am I able to accomplish it? Maybe it’s not for me because it is too difficult? However, in every big goal or project, there are always small pieces of tasks or steps that accumulate together. This is the same as preparing your mind.
While it’s essential to keep your eyes on the end goal, it’s equally crucial not to overwhelm yourself or stress out too much. The journey itself holds significant value, and finding joy in the process can make all the difference. By making the journey enjoyable, you can maintain your momentum and motivation consistently.
3. Keep Your Goal in Check
Setting your goal into smaller, achievable steps makes the journey less overwhelming. To complete the mountain climb, break it down into small goals such as 25% at a time. You may also see that in most workplaces or university courses, there is usually a breakdown into quarters (or semesters) that enable us to fulfill smaller tasks, courses, and milestones that make up a bigger one. You are more likely to accomplish these small steps multiple times with less effort compared to striving for one big goal with a huge effort.
It’s easy to lose track as the year progresses. Many people give up on their New Year’s resolutions within the first few weeks of January. Setting smaller steps provides great checkpoints and reminders throughout the year.
4. Sense of Accomplishment
It is our human nature to feel satisfied with achievement or completion, no matter how small it is. It feels good to cross out a task on the to-do list. The quarterly checkpoint provides a snapshot overview of how much you have accomplished compared to the start of the journey. You may not see results or accomplishments as a whole, but it ensures you are on the right track toward something bigger.
You’ll feel more excited every time you achieve each small step. Give yourself a pat on the back or a small reward for all the hard work and commitment. This could be as simple as enjoying a nice cup of coffee. Whatever your reward, it keeps you motivated to continue to the next step.
5. Your Choices and Actions Become Habits
When you achieve goals slowly but consistently, they become a part of you and engrave themselves in your brain. They become your habits, and you’re likely to continue with the new habits and improvements. It’s not about making a big leap into a big goal at the start of the year, but about consistent self-improvement.
I like to think goal setting doesn’t have to be yearly or end at the end of the year. It can be an ongoing process of self-reflection, self-discovery, and bettering yourself day by day. I hope you find this article helpful.