While long-term and stretch goals are wonderful, it’s even better to have goals for the near future that you can complete quickly.
By dividing your huge ambitions into more manageable tasks, you will boost your chances of success and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
That is where weekly goals come in. Weekly goals help you accomplish your work and progress toward your larger objectives.
This could be anything from writing a certain number of words for your novel to working out for a certain number of days. And goal attainment is expected within a one-week time frame.
This article will cover why weekly goals are essential to encouraging action and lasting success. Then, you’ll find several examples of weekly goals to inspire you.
Why Should You Set Weekly Goals?
One of the best methods to guarantee your success is completing weekly goals. They make your bigger objectives more controllable and effortless to monitor.
By planning smaller goals, you can reevaluate and change your strategy every week without making a final scramble or giving up on your dream.
In addition, setting and achieving weekly goals can boost your confidence and motivation as you see yourself progressing toward larger goals.
And if you still aren’t convinced, here are several other benefits of developing weekly goals:
- Stay hyper-focused on your current milestones
- Become inspired to continue working on your tasks
- Have a more specific plan for reaching your larger goals
- Be able to check in with your progress consistently
10 Examples of Weekly Goals to Set
Do you want to encourage weekly progress in your day-to-day life? Below you will find 10 examples of weekly goals to focus on and strive for this week:
1. Clean the House
Set aside time each week to clean your house from top to bottom. A deep clean isn’t necessary, but consider decluttering any dust and vacuum to keep your living space tidy.
A clean house is a happy house, and it’s incredible how much of a difference it can make in your mood and day-to-day life.
Plus, it’s satisfying to know that your home is always clean and presentable, just in case you ever need to entertain guests unexpectedly.
If you’re ever feeling stressed, try taking a few hours to clean your house. You may be surprised at how much more relaxed you feel afterward.
2. Catch Up With a Friend
There’s nothing like catching up with an old friend. Whether you’ve been friends for years or reconnecting after some time apart, catching up is a great way to create new memories and strengthen your bond.
Having someone to talk to about the events taking place in your life is always comforting. When you catch up with a friend, you hear about everything they’ve been up to and share your own stories.
Catching up is a fantastic way to stay connected to the people who matter most to you. So reach out to an old friend today and see if they want to hang out. You’ll be glad you did.
3. Go Grocery Shopping
Grocery shopping can be a tedious chore or an opportunity to explore new foods and find new recipes. But no matter how you approach it, there are a few basics that you need to keep in mind.
First, make a list of the items that you need to buy. Doing so will keep you focused and avoid impulse purchases.
You should also check the prices at different stores before you go shopping. This ensures you find the best deals on the items you need.
On a final note, try to stick to a budget. Don’t be afraid to splurge on occasional treats, but remember that your grocery bill should not break the bank. By following these practical tips, you can make grocery shopping a breeze.
4. Pay the Bills
Paying your bills on time is one of the most common financial goals. But what if you took it a step further and made this a weekly goal?
You’d be able to stay on top of your finances and avoid late fees. You would also become better at tracking your spending. Hence, setting a weekly goal for bill paying is a great way to get used to budgeting.
You can break it down into smaller goals, such as tackling one bill each day. And if you’re paid biweekly, you could adjust your goal accordingly.
That said, paying the bills may not be the most exciting financial goal, but it’s essential. Forming the habit of checking your finances will allow you to stay ahead of any potential late fees.
5. Do Laundry
Let’s be honest: Doing the laundry is probably not your favorite task. It’s time-consuming, and there’s always more to do. But if you make it a weekly goal, it can help reduce stress levels.
That’s because when you have a set day for doing laundry, you don’t have to worry about it constantly. You can relax and enjoy your free time, knowing that the laundry will get done eventually.
Separating the work into manageable chunks is more achievable than trying to do it all in one go. So go ahead and put this goal on your weekly to-do list. Your future self will thank you.
6. Cut Down Screen Time
If you are like most people, you spend way too much time looking at screens. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, watching TV, or working on your laptop, it’s too easy to get sucked into a screen-based activity.
But all that time staring at screens can take a toll on your physical and mental health. That’s why reducing your screen time is extremely important. It may seem daunting at first, but there are plenty of ways to reduce screen time.
For example, you can put your phone away during social events, limit yourself to one hour of TV per day, or only use your laptop for work-related tasks. By decreasing your screen time, you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel.
7. Meal Prep on the Weekends
You’re more likely to eat healthier during the week if you prep your meals in advance on the weekends. I’m not suggesting that you must cook everything in advance—that’s excessive for most people.
But there are a few simple things you can do to make a big difference. Perhaps you could cook a batch of grains or beans as the base for multiple meals.
You may also roast a bunch of vegetables, which can then be used in salads, wraps, or on their own as side dishes. And lastly, hard-boil a few eggs for quick and easy protein-packed snacks.
Taking a few hours on the weekends to prep your meals will surely set you up for healthy meals all week long.
8. Show an Act of Kindness
Even if it’s picking up a piece of trash, lending a listening ear to a friend in need, or simply smiling at a stranger, a small act of kindness positively impacts someone’s day.
That’s why I’ve decided to make it my goal to show one act of kindness weekly. It doesn’t have to be anything significant or time-consuming; even the smallest gestures can have a considerable impact.
And who knows? By making kindness a part of your weekly routine, you’ll inspire others to do the same. There is plenty we could achieve if we all worked together to make the world a kinder place.
9. Open a Retirement Account
There’s no better time to start saving for retirement than now. Every little bit counts, even if you’re still in your 20s or 30s. And the sooner you begin saving, the more time your money has to grow.
One excellent way to save for retirement is to open a retirement account. IRA and 401(k) accounts are two of the most popular options. Both offer tax advantages to help you save more money.
And with employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, you may get matching contributions from your employer. So if you still need to save for retirement, now’s the time to start. Talk to your financial advisor about opening a retirement account right for you.
10. Practice Self-Care
A healthy mind and body make for a happy life. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. From taking a long relaxing bath to reading your favorite book, ensure you free up time each week to focus on your well-being.
Practicing self-care means understanding your worth and that meeting your needs is a priority. And that doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming at all.
Even simple habits like getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water can make a world of difference.
Thus, why not make self-care part of your weekly routine? Your body, mind, and soul will experience a qualitative cleansing.
Final Thoughts
If you want to be successful, you need to set goals. But not just any goals; you must set specific, achievable goals that you can work on weekly.
Weekly goals ensure you make consistent progress toward your overall objective. Of course, it’s crucial to be realistic when setting goals. If your goal is too unrealistic, you’ll quickly become discouraged.
In other words, the path to success requires a well-defined and precise plan. You become better at directing your efforts to attain your desired goals.
Although achieving your ambitions may seem like a monumental task, as long as you set reachable goals, it’s within your grasp. You’ll be a step closer to a vibrant life.