You probably learned early on in life that it’s important to set goals, form a plan and ultimately reach these goals. No reasonable goal is out of reach. But often, you may feel discouraged along the way, and before you know it, your wants stay just that, wants. If you understand, though, the true impact setting and achieving goals has on your life, you’re more likely to set and follow through with them. Here are ways to help stick with your goals so they can positively impact your life:
Be Accountable
It can be difficult to follow through with goals when life happens. For example, a popular goal that people set in the New Year is to live a healthier lifestyle and go to the gym more. Once early January hits, you will notice gyms are full. Then the capacity rapidly declines, as the weeks go by, because life happens, outside circumstances shift priorities, and it’s easy to lose sight of goals when it does.
Stay consistent with the goals you set for yourself to see results, and hold yourself accountable by not making excuses for yourself. To do this:
- Write down what you hope to achieve.
- Create a specific goal from what you wrote.
- Map out a plan to achieve this goal.
- Make time for this goal.
You can even download an app to help you track your goals and measure your success.
Motivate Yourself
To find the motivation you need to work toward your goals, get yourself in the right mindset. After setting your plan in motion, say positive affirmations regularly and in the present tense, as if what you want is already here. This helps to cement it into your subconscious. Here are some examples:
- I am 15 lbs. lighter and feel great.
- I am the senior vice president for my division.
- I am playing the piano and have learned three songs.
- I am going to accomplish all my goals this year.
If you believe in yourself, you’re more likely to succeed.
There are many other ways you can motivate yourself. If your goal is to lose weight, follow health and fitness pages on social media to learn new recipes, tips and exercises. It’s also a good idea to join a local gym because being around like-minded people who have the same goals is great motivation.
Have Focus in Your Life
Focus is easy to lose when you work to balance so many moving parts in life. Some things get more attention than others, but it’s important not to lose sight of any goal. After you recognize what you want to achieve, you will have to create your own action plan. Make sure you do your research and understand the steps needed to reach success. It won’t be easy, but as soon as you accept that, you will be that much closer to your goal.
If your goal is to live a healthier lifestyle, but you have a crazy life and don’t feel you can stick with it, research ways to do it. There are simple things you can do, such as:
- Eliminate refined sugar and stick to natural sugar alternatives instead since natural sugars contain more beneficial nutrients.
- Try to book hotels that have fitness centers when you have to travel for work.
- Cook more for yourself instead of eating out.
Regardless of your lifestyle, there are plenty of ways you can work toward your goals if you focus on them.
Continue to Grow and Achieve More
Sure, it’s easy to play it safe and stick to a routine you’re comfortable with, but you will never get promoted if you don’t challenge yourself at work and set your sights on a higher position. You won’t lose weight if you don’t work out and eat healthier. You won’t learn to play the piano if you don’t take lessons and practice.
If you become uninspired, you will no longer grow. Goals keep you motivated, no matter the type of goal. Whether a big or small one, you will remain enthused. Use the Grow Model to guide you on your journey — identify your goal, establish your reality, explore your options, then commit. See the pattern? If you set goals, you will achieve more in life — a simple concept that is often overlooked. Goals will inspire you to push yourself towards success and grow your achievements, especially if you recognize or feel a part of your life has become stagnant.
Be Your Best Self and Live Your Best Life
In addition to growth and greater achievements, becoming your best self and living your best life is the ultimate impact setting goals has on your life. We are all human so there are always aspects of life to improve. That means there are always goals to be made. As long as you continue to identify them and make them your reality, you will become your best self and live your best life.
About Jennifer Landis
Jennifer Landis is a mom, wife, writer, and blogger at Mindfulness Mama. She enjoys drinking tea, dark chocolate, and rainy day snuggles with her daughter. She enjoys sunny days, too, but finds they are less conducive for snuggles. Follow her on Twitter @JenniferELandis.
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