When we start out, it's tempting to think of goal setting as an all-or-nothing mindset, where striving to stand out, build a great reputation, and be recognized as successful are the daily focus of our lives.
Over time, we may realize that big goals are in many ways like an onion, with multiple layers contributing to the finished product, each of which must be nurtured and developed. It is important to take time for them to grow and be recognized as separate components, with the layers eventually coming together to create the final result.
We may set aside time to promote ourselves on social media, update our accounts, complete a journal, practice yoga, go online for a special class, but this is only when our goals are absorbed into our way of life and become second nature. nature. , a habit that they become an automatic part of our functioning and pull together to create an all-round quality of life.
By making your goals a habit, you live each day to the fullest, enjoy what you do, and become less distracted by how much it moves you on your way to success. You simply keep going, working your master plan toward the big picture while incorporating positive practices into your daily life.
You may have identified the stepping stones, actions, and decisions that need to be made each day to reach your goal. For example, progressing your business growth may require making a certain number of contacts on a regular basis, losing weight may involve making daily decisions about exercise and what to eat, running a marathon may involve covering a certain distance each week. Doing something big or small that becomes part of your regular thinking and commitment.
Even on relatively inactive days or times when other things take precedence, it's important to recognize your ultimate focus. In this way, your actions will gradually become a habit. Remind yourself of your goals by keeping them in sight on your vision board, screen saver, or writing them down on the front of your journal or journal to connect with them regularly, consciously or unconsciously. Make sure they are always with you.
You can have specific big goals highlighted as the focus of your efforts, but habits are formed through a reasonably comfortable and regular commitment, rather than being so big that you risk being overwhelmed or having to park other areas of your life. Doing something that is straightforward and relatively easy to incorporate has a better chance of becoming a habit and subsequently leading to success.
That's why it's best to break big goals into smaller segments, into small pieces that don't need much thought or can be arranged in advance. Otherwise, on busy and stressful days, you risk all your good intentions being tossed aside as you gravitate toward simpler, more familiar habit patterns or reject them when dealing with pressing matters that require your full attention.
Some people find that making lists is a positive way to establish a new habit that breaks down a larger goal into achievable actions each day. Setting a timer can help you manage how long you spend on each task, ensuring you're truly focused on the task at hand while avoiding spending too much time on one task.
It is good to cultivate the habit of achieving something every day, even the smallest. This mindset is proactive, motivational, and encourages you to periodically reevaluate your plans, raise the bar, and push them forward. A quick phone call or email can be enough to make progress.
When this outlook becomes habitual, there is an enthusiastic attitude towards what can be achieved each day; something small on busy days, taking bigger steps when time and energy are available.
Accountability is often important, having someone you can check in with regularly, who wants to know what you've done, where you're at, and what the likely outcome might be. Scheduling a meeting when you have something to explain is incredibly motivating; something that is all too noticeable on days when the weight of the slimmer class!
But a coach or mentor can also help solve any problems, guide you or direct you to available options, help you refocus after failure. Someone who is on your side, who is with you through your struggles, who understands what you are going through, can make a huge difference in your motivation level.
Making your goals a habit is an important contributor to your success, but don't let them get too tied down. Allow yourself to enjoy the journey and you may even appreciate the occasional detours along the way. After all, once you reach your destination, you may be at a loss as to what to do next, or simply be inspired to start over and set some new goals.
Sometimes it's exciting not to be too rigid in the pursuit of your initial goals. It can be satisfying to enjoy discovering new opportunities and seeing where they lead. Unexpected adventures can be a reward in themselves. Take the time to appreciate each experience that arises as you progress. Then your goal-motivated thinking becomes a habit as well as a stimulating and enjoyable contributor to your way of thinking.
Susan Leigh, counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer and media contributor from South Manchester offers help with relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients, couples and provides corporate workshops and support.
No comments: