Happy New Year guys! Is the holiday excitement over or are you still reveling in the new year fever? Or are you setting yourself up as usual with those interesting goals and new year resolutions like: “New year, new me! This year, I’ll get fit, save money, and finally learn how to do my own makeup!” yinmu
And by February, you’re back to status quo: swallowing small chops at every party, saving nada, and spending your entire salary to patronize makeup artists for events that only last for a few hours. .
So how do you break the vicious cycle of setting goals you’ll abandon as quickly as you set them? Fear not, my friend. I come bearing new year gifts, tips actually, to help you set goals that won’t fizzle out before Valentine’s Day.
Set Realistic Goals
I know you’ve been told over time to aim for the sky and you might land on the moon but if your goal sounds like a Nollywood fantasy, it’s probably unrealistic.
For instance, don’t aim to build a mansion in Banana Island on your NYSC allawee. Instead, aim to start small, like contributing to a cooperative or starting that business, no matter how small.
Remember, small wins lead to big wins. First crawl, then walk, and eventually run.
Be Specific, Not Ambiguous
Ambiguity is the primary feature of bad goals and they belong in the trash can for a reason; they’re unachievable.
Bad Goal: “I want to make money this year.”
Good Goal: “I will save ₦10,000 every month by cutting down on my weekly pizza splurges.”
The more specific your goals are, the easier it is to follow through. Think of your goal as a recipe—don’t just say “add spices.” Be clear: “Add 1 tbsp curry, and one seasoning cube.”
Break It Down
Having big goals can feel overwhelming. But when you break it into smaller steps, it becomes manageable . For example:
Big Goal: Lose weight.
Small Steps:
- Replace daily Fanta with water.
- Walk for 20 minutes three times a week.
- Stop eating puff-puff like like a thief.
Celebrate each small win—you deserve it!
RELATED: 8 Apps to Help You Crush Your Goals in 2025
Get An Accountability Partner
You need someone who’ll call you out when you start slipping. It could be a friend, sibling, or even your gym instructor (that guy has receipts).
Imagine telling your accountability partner, “I’ll save ₦20,000 this month,” knowing that he/she will not let you rest until you have done so. Accountability keeps you on track.
If you don’t have an accountability partner, join us on Fusion and let’s help you stay on track with your goals this year.
Reward Yourself
While you’re determined to be hard on yourself to accomplish those goals, it is also important to remember that you’re not a machine.
Celebrate milestones with small rewards. Saved ₦50k? Give yourself a treat (without exhausting your savings) Lost 5kg? Treat yourself to a cheat day (just don’t turn it into cheat week).
Rewards make the journey enjoyable, so you’re not tempted to throw in the towel when the going gets tough.
Write It Down: Don’t Trust Your Brain
Your brain is unreliable; one minute it’s reminding you of your goals, the next it’s replaying the lyrics to your favorite song.
Write your goals down in a journal, on your phone, or even on your wall. Seeing them daily is like having a motivational speaker in your room—without the drama.
Adjust as Needed
If things don’t go as planned, don’t beat yourself up, life happens.
Goals should be flexible. Didn’t hit your savings target because your gen packed up? Adjust and keep moving.
Avoid Peer Pressure
Don’t set goals because someone posted about their new car. You’re not competing with social media. Remember, Instagram is a highlight reel.
Stay in your lane, focus on your progress, and trust your process. After all, you don’t know if that car was gotten on loan.
Stay Consistent
Consistency is the secret sauce. Even when you don’t feel like it, show up for your goals. Missed a week at the gym? Go back next week.
Spent your savings on unexpected expenses? Start saving again. The key is to keep pushing.
You know what they say about little drops of water..
Laugh Through It All
When traffic, fuel scarcity, or a random blackout threatens to derail your plans, laugh it off. Nigeria will test you, but your goals are worth the hustle.
Setting and sticking to goals doesn’t have to feel like crossing Third Mainland Bridge during rush hour.
Be specific, stay realistic, and laugh through the process. By December, you’ll look back and say, “I did it!”
Now go forth, set those goals, and make 2025 the year you crush them (while still enjoying occasional treats)!
I’ll look forward to seeing you on Fusion as we walk the talk.
