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WARDY WISDOM 2.1.25

How tiny can your goals be?

Hello and Happy New Year,

How're you doing as we start the new year? I've had a great few weeks of getting more sleep, being a bit more relaxed with working out, eating a little more chocolate, and drinking a bit more Prosecco. To be honest, I'm looking forward to getting back to normal life and my usual structure. How about you? Would you rather have it be this relaxed all year round, or do you do better with structure?

The inevitable resolutions

A few months back I wrote about why I no longer make resolutions at the start of a new year. With that said, there's never a bad time to take stock of what you've accomplished in the last 12 months, and think about what you hope to accomplish in the next 6-12-24 months. To be clear, this doesn't need to be done on December 31st or January 1st. But, this is as good a time as any to talk about it!

What do you hope to achieve in the next 6-12 months?

Give this some thought, and if nothing comes to mind, think again. No doubt there are at least a few things you'd like to achieve . . so what are they?

Once you have your big goal(s) in mind, how does it make you feel? Because when we’re chasing a big goal, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether it’s running a marathon, starting a business, or cleaning out a junk drawer, the enormity of the task can make it hard to start. That’s where the importance of small goals comes in. By breaking a larger objective into bite-sized, non-intimidating chunks, you not only build momentum but also avoid finding yourself in a year looking at your goal(s) and thinking, "If only I'd started this 12 months ago."

Why small goals matter

Setting small goals isn’t about lowering your expectations, it’s about creating wins so massively achievable they feel like cheating. Here’s why they work:

1. Build Confidence: Achieving a small goal feels like high-fiving yourself. And let’s face it, who doesn’t like having a win?
2. Reduce Overwhelm: A huge task can feel paralyzing, like trying to eat a whole cake in one sitting. (Tempting, but not smart.) Small slices are the way to go.
3. Create Momentum: Progress fuels motivation. Each tiny win is like rolling a snowball downhill, it gets bigger and faster as it goes.
4. Stay Flexible: Small goals let you adjust as needed. Forgot your big plan? No worries, you’re only committing to one micro-step today.

How to set small goals

1. Start Ridiculously Tiny: Make your goals so small they feel like a joke. Want to start exercising? Commit to putting on workout clothes. Writing a novel? Aim for one sentence. That’s it, seriously. Small wins lead to big habits. **I can't overemphasise how small is small. Have you ever played with Russian stacking dolls like in the above below? The smallest doll is how small your starting goal should be.
2. Be Extremely Specific: Vague goals like “get fit” or “learn guitar” are NOT useful. Instead, aim for clear targets like “walk 10 minutes” or “strum one chord".
3. Focus on Today: Don’t worry about the finish line right now. What’s one thing you can do today? If that one thing is brushing your teeth before tackling life’s challenges, you’re already winning.
4. Celebrate Progress: Celebrate every step, no matter how tiny. Did you drink one glass of water? Applaud yourself.

Real life example: The "Couch to 5K" method

The popular Couch to 5K running program is basically small goals in action. It doesn’t throw you into running 5 kilometers on day one because, let’s be honest, you’d fake an injury immediately. Instead, it starts with short walk/run intervals that gradually build over weeks. Each little milestone feels manageable, and before you know it, you’re the person crossing the finish line of your local 5K and proudly taking a medal-wearing photo, feeling rightfully proud!

Final thoughts

When it comes to big goals, remember: Small steps lead to giant leaps, and fewer feelings of "I've messed up and have to start all over again." The key to achieving any major goal is consistency, and consistency thrives on tiny, doable milestones. So, start small, celebrate wildly, and watch how those laughably tiny steps turn into something truly extraordinary. Just like the smallest stacking doll "growing" into the biggest one.

Is there one small fitness or lifestyle goal you have set this year to help you towards your bigger ones? Feel free to post them on my Facebook page​

Work with Beth Beth's passion is helping her clients get unstuck, and feeling comfortable with change. If you'd like to be in a different place this time next year, you should chat with her! info@bethanywardlifecoaching.uk

Work with Simon Are over 50 with have some race goals you are chasing in the next year or so? If you'd like me to help you on this journey then feel free to schedule a call​

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I really appreciate you being part of my tribe and I look forward to helping you achieve better health and better performance. Simon

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