A new year always means new goals, resolutions, and habits we all are seeking to attain, but what is the best move for making them happen? We caught up with Ciara Futrell founder of The Quality Code, a lifestyle and accountability brand centered on intentionality, discipline, and follow-through, to give us some inside tips. For Ciara, after seeing how often people set meaningful goals but struggle to sustain them, she built a community and products that help individuals keep the promises they make to themselves, including the game-changing Reflection Journal. The journal truly helps to keep you on track and also tapped into your ultimate self-care.
Ciara is a believer in practical systems, personal standards, and small daily actions as the foundation for long-term growth. Check out her 5 insights to hopefully crack the “code” (pun intended:) on being super intentional and productive this new year.
The biggest issue most people have when moving towards their goals is follow through. The motivation is there, but the strategy is not thought out completely. In order to really make progress it should come from doing small things consistently. The Quality Code has created an accountability ecosystem that helps you achieve your goals and honor your standards, also known as “Staying Coded.” Here are three simple best practices:
Shrink the goal until it feels almost too easy
The biggest mistake people make is aiming too big, too fast. When something feels overwhelming, your brain looks for an exit. Instead of asking “How do I reach the goal?” ask: “What is the smallest action I can take today that keeps me in the game? The best thing to do after you set your goals is figure out how you can win each day. Small wins stack for a bigger win, your first goal should be “one of” not “ten of.”
Create a list of five non-negotiables
Create a list of five things you will do everyday, no matter your mood. Waiting until you “feel ready” is a trap. Feelings change, but your standards for your goals should not. Decide when the habit happens and protect that time like an appointment. When something is scheduled, it stops being optional and that’s when consistency starts.
Track what you do, not what you think
A simple checkmark. A note, even a streak. Seeing proof of your effort keeps you engaged and accountable.Clarity creates confidence. If you don’t track your actions, your mind will fill in the gaps and usually not in your favor. Progress feels better when it’s visible, hence why reflection is so important.
- The Reflection Journey by The Quality Code
Best times to work on a new habit or routine
I love this question because time does matter, but it has less to do with productivity and more to do with intention. I suggest working on new habits that involve a mindset shift, like anything that impacts your daily routine, the morning is best. You allow yourself to set the tone before the day starts and make demands of yourself. The evenings work for maintenance and things that don’t require creativity or willpower, and you don’t want to try something new from a place of exhaustion.
Starting a new habit starts with the why
Creating a new positive habit should always be tied to a “why.” It has to make sense why you’re doing something for it to stick and stop the feeling from being like a chore and starts feeling like alignment.
Secondly, focus on consistency over intensity. You don’t need perfect days, just repeatable ones. One hundred good days will outweigh 50 perfect ones. Keep showing up!
Lastly, build systems and not just lean on Motivation. Motivation is tied to emotions, and systems create structure despite how you feel. Lay out your clothes, put your book on your pillows, and remove the friction before it shows up.
Your goals don’t require a new version of you. They require a more intentional version of who you already are. Achieve your goals and honor your standards, that’s how you Stay Coded.
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