10 Reflection Questions to Help You Achieve Your Habit Goals in 2024🍋

A mentor of mine once said that every choice we make is a trade-off of cost, risk, and benefit. He noted that many of us do not objectively evaluate this exchange which can result in dissatisfaction with life’s circumstance or a struggle to keep commitments to self and others. This concept may sound simple but remembering to explore the costs and obstacles in decision making has helped me accept the negatives when they do materialize.  This concept is closely related to acceptance, and is relevant for goal setting and productivity.

I have come to see honesty as the crucial quality in successful goal setting.  Setting goals is both an art and a skill, drawing from creativity, discipline, and a sense of hope and adventure. Without honesty, however, we have no actionable place to build from: honest self-exploration allows us to understand and internally consent to the terms of pursuing a goal and decide whether this benefit is worthy of the cost. Without honesty our goals are flat-lined dreams, dampening our sense of agency rather than propelling it.  

Honest reflection is only possible in a context of self-compassion.  Self-talk must be kind and not scathing with any shortcomings viewed as a function of shared humanity and not a unique and shame-worthy failing. It is only if we are kind to ourselves that we can be honest with ourselves. And it is only with honesty that we can set meaningful goals for health and wellness. Honest reflection allows us to find that sweet spot in goal setting, that place beyond comfort zones but within boundaries. A reference point that feels realistic but propelling.

Here are some questions to help with a new habit you are trying to bring into your life. Grab a journal or your phone to write out your answers. Also, this is a really good resource from Michael Hyatt to get started on goal setting. If you want help, send me an email!

1)    Why is this habit so important to me?

2)    What will change in me by pursuing it?

3)    What does that area of my life honesty look like right now?

4)    What behaviors will I have to change to makes this goal a success?

5)    What are some reasons I might not be successful?

6)    What are the costs and benefits of achieving this goal?

7)    How will I overcome the obstacles?

8)    How will I keep this goal top of mind?

9)    How will I track it?

10) How can I get back on track if I falter?

Also: If there were a small phrase, word, or feeling that could be a theme for 2024: what would it be?

(mine for 2023 was ‘Think Small’ as in small people, small tasks, small gestures.)

Happiest New Year, I so appreciate you reading🍋.