Daily Skimm

Downtime doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. Here’s one idea for making the most of your weekend.

2023 is around the corner. And with the new year comes endless opportunities. Maybe you’ve been thinking about switching careers, building healthier habits, or changing some relationships. Or, maybe you want to cross some places and experiences off your bucket list. Since it can be overwhelming to work toward new goals, no matter how big or small, we’ve rounded up some tips and tricks to help you get started — and stay on track.

• Pick a doable goal. To set yourself up for success, use the ‘SMART’ approach. As in, something that’s specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. And keep in mind that the more exact, the better: Rather than saying “I want to save more,” have a concrete goal, like saving a certain percent of each paycheck. It can also help to start small. Instead of committing to running five days a week, start with one or two, then build from there. Also, resolutions that are value-driven have a better chance of lasting, so here are some suggestions.

• Get creative. A vision board is a fun and visual way to chart your new destiny — especially if you put it someplace where you can see it every day. That could be on your phone: There are apps that allow you to add pictures, notes, and links to visualize your plans. Or, that could mean going old-school by clipping images and phrases from magazines and attaching them to poster board. 

• Stay motivated. Team up with a friend, so you can keep each other excited about your new goals — and hold each other accountable. It’s also important to reward yourself along the way. Because reaching milestones toward a larger goal is something to celebrate.

• Cut yourself some slack. It’s very possible that you may come to a point where you want to give up or you lose track of your goal. So add some grace to your plans. It’ll create a smoother and more realistic path to the finish line.