As we close out the last few months of 2021, it’s time to prepare yourself to make the most out of the new year. Most people set resolutions for themselves at the start of a fresh year, but to really prioritize success, let’s focus on setting personal goals! Get specific about what you want to achieve and accomplish in 2022: we gathered these handy tips from entrepreneurs that are passionate about helping women succeed to make sure your goals are realistic and attainable and you’ll be crossing them off your “to-do” list in no time!

#1 Know the difference between goals and intentions.

“We’re all about goals, trust. But it’s not where we start. Instead, begin by taking some time to think about how you want to FEEL in 2022 and get clarity on your intentions for the new year. What’s the difference between a goal and an intention? A goal should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timebound. It should have a quantifiable number in it and a date by which it will happen. An intention is more of an overarching plan for what you want to bring about.” - Natalie Underdown, Ph.D., Executive Coach & Organizational Psychologist, The Nu Company

#2 Start out by figuring out your big picture needs.

“Intentions should provide answers to the following questions: What feelings would my 2022 best self feel on a regular basis? What overarching impact do I want to make in this new year? What am I ready to let go of? How does my WHY play into all of this? Both goals and intentions are important, but it’s way more effective to start with your big picture intentions and THEN create the specific goals/targets that will get you there!” - Natalie Underdown, Ph.D., Executive Coach & Organizational Psychologist, The Nu Company

#3 Get some accountability.

“Whether it’s simply writing your top 3 goals down on a whiteboard that you see everyday, or telling a couple of your close friends or colleagues your plans, do something that will keep you accountable to your goals. Using affirmative language may also help. For example, instead of saying “I’d like to launch my business by June 2022”, write “I will launch my business by June 2022.” Just seeing or hearing those positive affirmations will give you a boost of confidence and help you believe that you will actually achieve your aim.” - Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes the Guide

#4 Go from macro to micro.

“Instead of setting one huge goal like “start my own business,” break it up into smaller, actionable steps—with the overarching result in mind. Maybe your January goal will be to register your business with the state and trademark your business name. Then in February, you’ll have outlined a simple-yet-formal business plan along with 5 website pages. And by the end of March, you’ll have the goal to make that website live and launch your business. Getting super specific in the baby steps it takes to hit a bigger, overarching goal will make it feel much more attainable and less overwhelming.” - Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes the Guide

#5 Be resilient.

“Remember that not everything comes easily—especially when it comes to lofty goals. Before you commit to tackling them, get your mind right! Don’t let setbacks throw you off course. Instead, use your passion and positive mindset to persevere. Accept that reaching your goals is playing the long game, and that any obstacles you overcome will make your achievements that much sweeter in the end.” - Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes the Guide

About the author: Leila Lewis is the CEO and founder of Be Inspired PR and The Social Remodel, an expert on the business of weddings, social media, real estate marketing, experiential events, and a mother of 4.

About the author: Dr. Natalie Underdown is an executive coach and organizational psychologist. After spending 15+ years in Corporate Leadership and Human Capital Consulting, at companies including Accenture and Live Nation, she founded The NU Company in 2018, a boutique consultancy offering executive coaching, workshops, and people & culture consulting. She artfully weaves psychology, wellness, inclusion, and science-backed strategies together to offer mindful support for the whole person at work.

About the author: Jenna Miller is Creative Director of Here Comes The Guide, a women-owned and operated wedding website that plays venue matchmaker for engaged couples. Working for a bootstrapped small business has taught Jenna a lot about entrepreneurship, the importance of company culture, and embracing a gritty everything-is-figureoutable mentality. After a decade in the wedding marketing trenches, Jenna launched her side hustle Absolute JEM, where she focuses on building bold brands and websites for female-owned small businesses. 

Featured image: Color Joy Stock