2020 is here already, and although we might not feel ready to get back to work yet, we surely have many plans for the year that's just begun. If January is that time of the year when you usually envision the following months and mentally organise your schedule and establish your goals, here are some tips and pitfalls you should avoid in order to plan a successful 2020.

Don't Blame Yourself for What You Didn't  Do in 2019

The beginning of the new year is certainly a period of reflection when we inevitably take a look back at what we achieved the previous year. While it is useful to keep track of the unachieved goals you want to cross out from this year's 'to do' list, it's unhealthy and unproductive to blame yourself for what you couldn't do last year. So what if a few objectives were not accomplished? Maybe you simply lacked the time, energy or resources to handle them. You can postpone them for the following months and make a list of the steps you need to take in order to fulfill them, instead of feeling guilty and frustrated you couldn't do this last year.

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Set Realistic Goals

I too want to win the lottery this year and be able to buy a house without borrowing money from the bank. However, the odds of achieving this are quite low, so I'd rather go back to plan A - getting a loan as this is a realistic course of action. The more you dream of impossible scenarios and the more unrealistic your goals are, the higher are the chances that you feel utterly disappointed this time next year. One of the keys to a happy and fulfilled life is wanting things you can really get, so set your goals wisely according to your capabilities. 

Keep Track of Your Progress

Not only on your professional or educational path, but also in your personal life, it is important to monitor your progress. This is how you understand your evolution, by analysing if and how fast you get from point A to point B. This is also how you discover your strengths and weaknesses and find ways to tackle the latter.

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Think Positively 

It goes without saying that a positive outlook will help you achieve your 2020 goals easier. No matter what obstacles you encounter on your way to whatever it is that you want to obtain, positive thoughts will help you get there faster. Try to avoid negative emotions like fear, disappointment, or helplessness as they will only bring you down and replace them with hope and confidence. Everyone encounters problems while trying to achieve an important goal and these are actually great occasions to learn more and grow. By focusing on the positive things you've done so far and on the goal itself, you will be able to reach your destination faster while also enjoying the journey.

May you have a great 2020 in which you will be able to fulfill all your dreams and plans!

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