Having a goal or having goals is relatively easy. They come in all shapes and sizes and not just at the beginning of each year as a new year resolution. You could be wanting to loose weight, get fitter, give up smoking or even feel more confident in embracing the new and unknown. Often for most, the hard part about having goals is actually achieving it.
If you really want something and you really want change to happen for you then you need to have a plan and not just good intentions. Remember a goal without a plan is just a wish!
There are 2 important things to consider when wanting to stay on track with your goals and actually plan to turn your goals into a reality. Here are our top 2 tips for goal achievement -
There is no point in setting a goal to run a marathon in a months time if you can't even currently run 1 mile. This is an unrealistic goal as it is highly unlikely to be achieved in the given timescale. The goal of running a marathon is completely achievable but not necessarily in the time frame.
Think about your goals and your reality. Is it the right time in your life? Are there any obstacles that could hold you back? Do you have the time? Is it in fact 100% your goal or are your decisions based on what others expect and want of you rather than your own desires?
Unpacking a solid reality around your goals will lead to some great insight and raised awareness to help you stay motivated and on track to achievement.
Remember to break the goals down into manageable small steps too. It's just one small action that you make every 24 - 48 hrs that will bring you closer to your goal. For example researching online to find a beginners training plan to running a marathon is a first step to achieving the overall goal.
You need to be determined to reach your goals. It's that simple.
The most important part of goal setting is always the why. Ask yourself why do you want to achieve you goal? How will it affect your life? Why will you feel better for it?
Have your goal in mind at all times. Don't dismissively say to yourself that "just one doughnut won't hurt" if your goal is to cut down on your sugar intake, or "I'll just have this one cigarette" if you are trying to become a non-smoker. If you do that too often your goal slips further out of reach and you will start to form bad habits that will hold you back from being who you really want to be.
It's all too easy to fall back into old patterns of behaviour. That is your comfort zone after all but remember life begins just outside of your comfort zone.
You are more likely to stick to goals if you are constantly being reminded of them so write them down, put reminders on your smart phone calendar, create a vision board of all you want to achieve - whatever works for you as a reminder, do it.
Tell yourself you can achieve your goals and imagine how you will feel when you do achieve your goals.
It's simple, decide what you want, why you want it, how you're going to achieve it and then DO IT!
Good luck!
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