When we’re just starting out, it’s tempting to treat goal setting as an all-or-nothing mentality, where the goal of standing out, establishing a great reputation, and being recognized as successful are the daily focuses of our lives.
Over time, we may come to realize that big goals are, in many ways, like onions, with multiple layers that contribute to the finished product, each of which needs to be nurtured and developed. It is important to allow time for them to grow and be recognized as separate components, with the layers eventually coming together to achieve the final result.
We may take time to promote ourselves on social media, update our accounts, fill out our journal, do some yoga practice, go online to a special class, but it’s only when our goals are absorbed into our way of life and become in a second nature. , a habit, which become an automatic part of our functioning, uniting to make an integral 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. Just keep going, working your master plan toward the big picture, while incorporating positive practices into your daily life.
You may have identified stepping stones, actions, and decisions that need to be made every day to achieve your goal. For example, advancing the growth of your business may require a specific number of contacts to be made on a regular basis, losing weight may include daily choices about exercise and what to eat, running a marathon may mean covering a certain distance each week. Do something big or small that becomes part of your regular mindset and commitment.
Even on relatively slow days or those times when other things take precedence, it’s important to do some acknowledgment of your ultimate focus. That way, your actions will gradually become a habit. Remember your goals by keeping them visible on a vision board, on your screen saver, or by writing them down on the front of your journal or journal, so that you connect with them regularly, either consciously or unconsciously. Make sure they are always with you.
You may have highlighted specific big goals as the focus of your efforts, but habits arise through regular and reasonably comfortable engagement, rather than being so big that you risk feeling overwhelmed or forced to park other areas of your life. life. Doing something that is simple and relatively easy to include is more likely to become a habit and eventually result in success.
That’s why it’s best to break big goals into smaller segments, bite-size pieces that don’t need much thought or can be arranged ahead of time. Otherwise, on busy and stressful days, all your good intentions risk being pushed aside, as you adopt easier, more familiar habit patterns, or reject them when faced with urgent matters that require your full attention.
Some people find making lists a positive way to introduce a new habit, breaking down a larger goal into achievable actions each day. Setting a timer can help you manage how much time to spend on each task, so you ensure there is real focus on the task at hand, while also avoiding getting too engrossed in any one piece of work.
It is good to cultivate the habit of achieving something, however small, every day. That mindset is proactive, motivating, and encourages you to intermittently review your plans, raise the bar, and move on. Even a quick phone call or email can be enough to get you moving.
When that perspective has become a habit, there is an enthusiastic focus on 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 to check in with on a regular basis, who wants to know what you’ve done, where you are, what the likely outcome might be. Scheduling an appointment when you have to explain yourself is incredibly motivating; something that is all too obvious in the days leading up to weight loss class has a weigh-in!
But a coach or mentor can also help troubleshoot any issues, guide or guide you as to the options available, help you refocus after a setback. Someone who is on your side, who is with you during your struggles, who understands what you are going through can make a world of difference to your motivation levels.
Making your goals a habit is an important contributor to your success, but don’t get too caught up in them. Allow yourself to enjoy the ride and maybe even appreciate the occasional detours along the way. After all, once you arrive at your destination, you may not know what to do next or you may just be inspired to start over and set new goals.
Sometimes it’s exciting not to be too rigid in pursuing your initial goals. It can be satisfying to explore new opportunities and follow where they lead. Unexpected adventures can be a reward in themselves. Take the time to value each experience that comes your way as you progress. Then your goal-driven mindset will become a habit, as well as a stimulating and enjoyable contributor to your way of thinking.
