And just like that, another year has come and gone.
Over the past week or so, I’ve spent quite a bit of time reflecting on the last year. I’ve considered my different experiences, both good and bad, and reflected upon how each one has helped me learn, develop, and grow, both personally and professionally.
As I look forward to next year, filled with big goals and promising resolutions, I’m reminded of Tony Robbins’ quote about happiness. He explains, “[i]f you want to have ongoing joy and fulfillment in your life, the secret is just one word – progress. Progress equals happiness.”
Progress equals happiness. -Tony Robbins #ProgressGoals #Resolutions Click To TweetI love this quotation for many reasons, but chief among them is the simple – yet critical – message that it provides: enjoy the journey.
Yes, it is great to have big end goals. Yes, we should keep the final target in mind. But if we focus solely on that end product, we often miss out on important moments, lessons, and experiences along the way.
So, as you think about your upcoming goals for the new year (or at any time in your life!) I encourage you to focus on your forward momentum rather than the end result. Challenge yourself to celebrate your smaller milestones and find happiness in the progress.
Looking for great process goals for the coming year? Check out the ones on my list and get inspired today!
5 Process Goals for Happiness
Strengthen Connections and Relationships
One of my top progress goals for this year focuses on strengthening relationships with those you love. It goes without saying that improving relationships does not have an end goal. Instead, it is an ongoing process that only improves over time.
This year, challenge yourself to spend more quality time with family friends. Not only does building connections improve your mental health, but it can also lower your stress levels. (Bonus!)
Schedule regular time each week to spend with loved ones, stay in contact with those who live far away, and watch those connections strengthen with each conversation.
Practice Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness simply means living in the moment. You are aware of what you are feeling, and you know how the surrounding environment affects you. By practicing mindfulness regularly, you increase your ability to embrace your experiences and opportunities as you live them.
Furthermore, mindfulness helps you let go of anxiety about the future and release anger or sadness about the past, both of which can significantly impact your mental and emotional well-being.
One of my favorite ways to focus on mindfulness is through practicing gratitude. It is a great way to bring positive experiences – both big and small – to the foreground, which helps you both focus on the good and live in the moment.
Living Healthfully
Arguably the most popular New Year’s Resolution revolves around healthy living. And while many people focus on a specific number of pounds lost or inches shrunk, I challenge you to also focus on your daily progress.
In other words, as you embark on a healthy living journey, whether that’s exercising more often, losing weight, or eating more healthfully, be sure to celebrate your smaller milestones along the way. Focus on how you feel each day, recognize your increased energy, and embrace your improved sense of confidence, all of which helps you stick with your goals and continue living that healthier lifestyle.
Are you looking for additional accountability to live that healthy life? Be sure to join the exclusive I’m Busy Being Healthy Facebook group, which is a supportive, judgment-free community dedicated to providing tips, strategies, motivation, and accountability to help you reach your healthy living goals.
Whether you are looking to lose weight, start exercising often, cook more meals at home, or make healthier choices all around, this group is for you. Join here now!
Commit to Self-Care
If you have been reading I’m Busy Being Awesome for a while now, you know that I’m a big supporter of daily self-care. So with that in mind, I challenge you to prioritize self-care above all else this year.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Taking time for yourself is crucial, and this progress-oriented goal is key for enhancing your well-being.
Self-care can include everything from meditation to daily exercise to your beauty regimen. Each person’s needs are different, so the important thing to do is discover what you need to feel your best.
Looking for tips to incorporate daily self-care? You got it! Be sure to download my daily self-care cheat sheet here and discover 40 simple ways to take care of YOU today. Then be sure to check out my post about the importance of daily self-care here!
Mental Health
As studies continue to reveal, good mental health can improve our mind, soul, and body. It is key to embracing happiness, and it’s unquestionably a process-oriented goal.
By focusing on improving your mental health this year, whether that’s how you process emotions, handle stress, tackle obstacles, or shape your overall outlook on life, you will experience significant rewards with each step forward.
One of my favorite ways to practice good mental healthcare is through journaling. It is a great way to work through complex emotions and new ideas while better understanding your motives in the process.
To offer you some guidance in this area, I created a comprehensive 31-day journal for deeper clarity. It is an editable PDF, which you can fill out on your computer or print out and hand write, whichever floats your boat. Grab yours here now!
And there you have it, friends: why you should focus on process goals this year. Give them a try, measure your progress, and start boosting your happiness today!
Question:
Do you set New Year’s Resolutions? Have you ever set process goals? What is something you’re excited about for the new year? Let me know below!
Resolutions (for me at least) are made to be broken. I think I work better on the fly. I loved this post.
Thanks so much!
Progress equals happiness for sure. I’m always the happiest when I fee Like I’m making progress towards a goal!
Me too, Devon!
I admit to not really focusing on process goals before. I’m not even sure I’ve heard that phrase before reading this. But I really love it. I think it’s important to have goals but enjoying the now should also be a priority.
Yes! It’s great to work toward big goals, just make sure we enjoy the journey, too! 🙂
Kind of going along with the mindfulness aspect, I’ve been trying to live by the word simplify.
What a great word that you can apply in so many different areas of your life, Jackie!
I don’t call them resolutions anymore. I call them my ReSOULutions because I am out to nurture and care for my soul so in turn I can be the best version of myself and share with others. I love what you wrote and truly believe if we aren’t taking the time to nurture our body, mind and spirit we have missed the point of enjoying life to the fullest!
I love that so much! What a beautiful perspective 🙂
Such an inspirational piece to read Paula! I agree with every single word here. I am also a big supporter of daily self-care 🙂
Thank you so much, Gena! That means a lot to me <3
Personally, I dislike resolutions. I much prefer to set a main goal with smaller objectives that move toward that goal.
I love that approach, Leslie! It’s a great way to keep new goals in the front of your mind.
These are some fantastic tips! What a great way to start off the New Year and improve goals! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Absolutely!
Oh I love these so much. It’s so important to take a look at the smaller, meaningful goals like mental heath and self-care. Such a great post!
Thank you! I am so glad to hear it 🙂
Committing to self-care is seriously such a struggle sometimes, but it’s so important! So is taking care of your physical and mental well-being! This is so spot on!
Thanks, Megan! I agree – SO important!
I don’t set resolutions, but I’m always thinking my goals and breaking them down into manageable sizes. 🙂
I love that approach, too, Crystal!
Finding joy and enjoying your journey is so important to achieving goals and having a joy filled life.
Yes! 100% 🙂
I took my goals and broke them down this year to fit my word of the year and I think it’s going to be a great way to practice discipline across all areas.
Hooray! What a great approach, Beth! I love it 🙂