At the start of each year we are encouraged to set goals and targets for the year ahead. Whether the goals we set are personal or career related, it does pay to sit down and assess how you are tracking with your New Year’s resolutions.

As we are now half way through the year, it seems a good enough time as any to reflect back on what we have and haven’t accomplished, and to get back on track for the remainder of the year. It is important however to be honest when reevaluating the goals and to remember not to beat yourself up if you have fallen off the band wagon.

Here are some points to think about when you are sitting down and looking back at the goals you set at the start of the year.

How are you tracking?
Once you have found where you have written down your goals for 2014, it is a good idea to think about where you stand with the goals you set yourself? Are you half way to achieving them or nowhere near? From here you can see what further steps need to be taken to achieving the goals, or whether you can tick them off your list.

Are the goals you set realistic?
So you are either right on track to achieving your set goals, half way there, or not even close.
Think about why you have or haven’t achieved those goals – were the goals that you set yourself unrealistic? Have you set yourself a target that would even be unachievable to other people?

It might be a good idea to break down the goals that you are not even close to reaching. Breaking them down into smaller more achievable goals will make reaching your ultimate goal that much easier. For instance, if one of your goals is to be able to do the splits but you have zero flexibility- start by setting the goal of attending a weekly yoga class. Then talk to your yoga teacher about the best way about attempting the splits. Then promise yourself that you will set aside time everyday to doing exercises that will allow you to do the splits. These small goals will eventually lead you to achieving the perfect splits.

Breaking up your goal into realistic targets can make you more motivated and will make you more likely to complete it.

Have your goals/priorities changed?
Reflect back on where you started at the beginning of the year. What frame of mind were you in when you wrote your goals. Where you feeling a little self conscious after over indulging during the holidays? Where you so excited to start a fresh with a new year you scribbled down the first things that came into your head (saving at least 60% of your net pay, exercising 6 days a week, three times a day).

Sometimes life gets in the way of the goals you set on January the 1st. Unexpected expenses arise or injuries could occur that may make your goals that much harder to reach. For instance, you might have set yourself the goal of exercising more but broke your hip in February. Obviously a broken hip restricts your ability to exercise. It is important to realise and acknowledge that some of the goals you set yourself may not be realistic for you at this moment but can be something you can work towards another time. Or you may be able to tweak your goals to suit your situation – for instance, you might have wanted to start saving for your next overseas trip but you have had unexpected bills. You may be able to put away $50 a week instead of $150.

Have you lost motivation?
We all go through phases where it is sometimes easier to give up then continue going forward. Making excuses about why you have not achieved your goals does nothing but have a negative impact on you at the end of the day. July is a good time to reflect back on how you can pick up your motivation and achieve those New Year’s resolutions.

Don’t give up!
No matter what your goals are, just remember you are capable of doing anything you put your mind to. You may have to break down your ultimate goal into more manageable and achievable goals, but at the end of the day you have not given up and are working towards something that you want to achieve. If you keep challenging yourself, you will not only reap the rewards physically, but also mentally.

Written by Natassja Ford