Welcome to the edge of fall season, which for many, holds the air of new beginnings. As we embark on this fresh start, many of us may have made a resolution or two, with the intention of taking care of ourselves in some way. Whether it's to get back into routine or learn a new skill, resolutions can be a great way to motivate ourselves to make positive changes in our lives. It's easy to get excited about a new goal, but it can be much harder to stay motivated and on track as the days go by.

I know this feeling all too well. Every year around this time I find myself overcome with motivation and energy to pursue new goals, or to dig up ones that I’ve lost sight of in the recent past. However, just as hard as that excitement hits, the realities of day-to-day life responsibilities take over. Within the last couple of years, I’ve decided to take an honest and realistic approach to my goal setting.

So, how can you lean into the agency you do have with your resolutions and set realistic goals that will keep you motivated? Here are a few tips to get you started.

“I don’t focus on what I’m up against. I focus on my goals and I try to ignore the rest.”

— Venus Williams

Start small and build gradually. It's important to be realistic about what you can achieve. If you set goals that are too big or unrealistic, you're likely to get discouraged and lose motivation. Instead, start with small, achievable goals and build gradually as you gain confidence and momentum.

Make your goals measurable. It's easier to stay motivated when you can see progress being made. Make sure your goals are specific and measurable so that you can track your progress and see the progress you are making. For example, instead of setting a goal to "practice self-care more," set a goal to "meditate 3 times per week."

Get accountability. Having someone to hold you accountable can be a great way to stay motivated. This could be a friend, family member, or even a coach or mentor. Let them know about your goals and ask for their support in helping you stay on track.

Be flexible and adaptable. Life can be unpredictable, and there may be times when you need to adjust your goals or make changes to your plan. That's okay! Don't be too hard on yourself if you need to make adjustments.

Celebrate your victories. Most importantly don't forget to celebrate your victories along the way! When you reach a goal, take a moment to acknowledge your accomplishment and give yourself credit for the hard work you put in. This will help you stay motivated and keep you moving forward.

It is important to remember that we cannot control everything when it comes to setting personal goals. There may be external factors that impact our ability to achieve a particular goal, and it is important to be flexible and adaptable in order to navigate these challenges. It is also important to remember that goal-setting is a process and it may take time to reach our desired outcomes. It is okay to experience setbacks and make adjustments to our goals as needed. The most important thing is to keep working towards our goals, even if we encounter obstacles along the way. As a professional myself, this is something I too am working on. Remember to focus on what you can control and give yourself grace for when life happens.