This past New Year’s Eve, I was not thrilled to ring in the new year. I silently said a prayer and actually teared up a bit during the countdown. Within the last 90 days, I have already had quite a turbulent year. This was similar to the first quarters in both 2023 and 2022. However, your first quarter does not have to define the rest of your year. In order to examine your first quarter, look at your goals, analyze the results of the quarter, and plan for your next quarter with deligence.
Look at Your Goals
If you do not have any goals, that is okay. Today, you can write some personal goals for 2024. You got this! If you have 2024 goals already, write small actions you will need to take to accomplish the goal. If you have done this already, then look at the goals and see how you are progressing on each goal. What things went well this quarter? What things need improvement for next quarter? Do not beat yourself up if things did not get accomplished. You have three more quarters to go this year, so give yourself some grace.
https://www.bydominiqueduarte.com/how-to-accomplish-your-goals/
Analyze the Results of the First Quarter
Next, you will go through each goal that you have for the new year. You will ask yourself: Did I actively work toward the goal? Did I accomplish the goal? What actions did I take to work toward this goal this quarter? What improvements do I need to make to complete this goal next quarter.
Example: My first goal this year was to cook meals at home and reach my goal weight. Yes, I did actively work toward the goal. I have not accomplished the goal completely yet. The actions that I took toward my goal: I began making my breakfast on Sunday nights and eating the breakfast throughout the week on my way to work. Also, I began going to Zumba classes and walked about 3 to 5 miles a day. However, I need to improve on cooking dinner at home and eliminating sugary foods.
Plan for the Next Quarter
For next quarter, continue doing the things that are going well toward your goals. Now, look at what needed improvement and create new actions in order to accomplish each goal. My example: I have now made a habit of cooking breakfast on Sunday nights and eating it on my way to work pretty consistently. I will keep doing this. Now, when I come home from work, I will make a smoothie as soon as I get home. I will prep my protein for dinner on Sunday nights as well. This will curb eating out for dinner.
Conclusion
Congrats you made it through the first quarter of 2024. Tomorrow is a new day, April 1st. Tomorrow, you get a clean slate if you have not accomplished any goals. April 1st can be your New Year’s Day if you want. If you have been working on your goals, you can continue working your on your new habit or habits. Furthermore, you can add some new habits slowly throughout this next quarter to accomplish the goal. Ready, set, GO! You are awesome!
Hope this helps,
Dominique Duarte
https://www.amazon.com/Renewing-Mind-Project-Habits-Emotions/dp/0980224357