When we’re getting started, it’s tempting to treat goal setting as an all-or-nothing mindset, where aiming to excel, establish an impressive reputation, and be recognized for success are the focus points of our daily lives.
Over time, we may realize that big goals are in many ways like onions, with multiple layers contributing to the final product, each of which needs nurturing and development. It is important to allow time for them to grow and be recognized as separate components, as the layers eventually come together to achieve the final result.
We may make time to promote ourselves on social media, update our accounts, complete our journal, do some yoga, and go online for a private class, but that only happens when our goals are internalized into our lifestyle and become second nature. , and it is a habit, to become an automatic part of our functioning, and work together to make an overall quality of life.
By making your goals a habit, you live each day to the fullest, enjoy what you do and be less distracted by how far you are on your path to success. You are simply continuing to work with your master plan towards the big picture, while incorporating positive practices into your daily life.
You may have identified the starting points, the actions, and the decisions that need to be taken each day to achieve your goal. For example, progress in growing your business may require a set number of contacts that must be made on a regular basis, weight loss may involve daily choices about exercise and what to eat, and running a marathon may mean covering a certain distance each week. Doing something big or small becomes part of your regular mindset and commitment.
Even on relatively inactive days or those times when other things take precedence, it’s important to be aware of some of your ultimate focus. In this way, your actions become a habit. Remind yourself of your goals by making them in plain sight on a vision board or screensaver or by writing them in the front of your journal or journal so that you communicate with them regularly, either consciously or unconsciously. Make sure they are always with you.
You may have large, specific, highly focused goals for your efforts, but habits come by being a regular and reasonably satisfying commitment, rather than one so large that you risk becoming exhausting or required to turn off other areas of your life. Doing something straightforward that is relatively easy to incorporate has a greater chance of becoming a habit and thus leading to success.
That’s why it’s best to break down big goals into smaller segments, bite-sized chunks that don’t need much thought or can be arranged in advance. Otherwise, on busy, stressful days, all your good intentions risk being ignored to one side, defaulting to the easiest and most common habit patterns, or dismissing them while dealing with pressing matters that demand all of your attention.
Some people find making lists a positive way to introduce a new habit, by breaking down a larger goal into achievable actions each day. Setting a timer can help you manage the time you spend on each task, thus ensuring that you have real focus on the task at hand, while avoiding sinking in for too long.
It is good to develop the habit of achieving something, no matter how small, every day. This mindset is proactive and motivational and encourages you to periodically review your plans, raise the bar and move them forward. Even a quick phone call or email can be enough to make progress.
Where this look becomes a habit is an enthusiastic approach to what can be achieved each day; Something small on busy days, and take bigger steps when you have time and energy.
Accountability is often important, such as having someone to check in with regularly, who wants to know what you’ve done, where you’re doing, and what the likely outcome is. Making a date when you have to explain yourself is incredibly motivating; Something that is very evident in the days leading up to Skinny Class!
But a coach or mentor can also help resolve any issues, guide you or guide you regarding options, or help you refocus after a setback. Someone who stands by you, who is with you during your struggles, and understands what you’re going through can make a huge difference in your motivation levels.
Making your goals a habit is an important factor in your success, but don’t allow yourself to be limited by them too much. Allow yourself to enjoy the ride and maybe 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 inspired to start over and set some new goals.
Sometimes it’s exciting not to be so rigorous in pursuit of your initial goals. It can be satisfying to enjoy exploring new opportunities and seeing what they lead to. Unexpected adventures can be a reward in themselves. Take your time to evaluate each experience that presents itself as you go. Then, your goal-based mindset will become a habit, in addition to being a motivating and fun contributor to your way of thinking.