Chances are that if you are reading this blog, you have set some goals in your life. You may have achieved some and failed at others. On your journey to the best version of yourself, you will need goals to help trigger new positive behaviours, guide your focus, and help you sustain that momentum required to push through the hard times. Studies have shown consistency is one of the main reasons people achieve high levels of achievement. So how do we consistently achieve our goals?
"You need a plan to build a house. To build a life, it is even more important to have a plan or goal." – Zig Ziglar
Answering the below three questions will help you rethink how you set and achieve you future goals.
1. Who will I have to become to achieve this goal?
We often put all our emphasis on achieving the goal itself. The challenge with that mindset is that once we achieve any one goal, another one will take its place. This can become overwhelming as it feels like the yardstick is constantly being moved out of reach. By focusing on who we have to become to achieve such goals, we adopt a growth mindset. This means that the goals become secondary to what new skills, problem solving abilities, and characteristics we will gain on the journey. For example, your initial goal is to change jobs to a higher paying one in a different field, but when you get there, you want to upgrade your skillset so you can sustain the pay but have more free time to spend with your family. The goals may keep changing and you will constantly have to upgrade your skills and mindset to evolve into the person who is capable of such change. This mindset sets you up for sustained levels of achievement as you begin to comprehend that the goals themselves will always be on the horizon, your purpose in life will be your evolution towards that horizon.
2. What will I have to say NO to?
Ever heard of the shiny object syndrome? Its when we are always in pursuit of the next big thing, constantly switching our goals based on what we feel is most fun and interesting at that given moment, but never actually giving ourselves time to follow through on any one goal. This syndrome really takes over when we start to face obstacles at the beginning of our journey. In trying to cope with not having to do the hard work of evolving into the person we need to be to overcome the obstacles, we distract ourselves with new goals. Staying committed on our initial goal and having the power to say NO to distractions is vital to stay the course. We must harden our selves before we begin this journey and be ready to say no as there will be no shortage of challenges on this quest.
3. What is my plan of action?
Not having an action plan for your goal is like having a ladder with only the top step. All you have is a vision with no way of reaching it. Your action plan is the steps leading up to the top. Your goal cannot end with I want to lose 20 pounds. We must work backwards from that last step. This may sound like:
a) I will need time for this so I will first make non negotiable time slots for exercise
b) I need help on this endeavour so I will research gyms with personal trainers in my area
c) I need gym clothes so I will make plans to go shopping tomorrow
If your action plan does not have you taking a step as soon as you envision your goal, it is likely to fail. Studies have shown that if we do not take a concrete action towards our goal as soon as we decide on them, we are likely not to follow through. So for the mentioned action step, that could simply be writing down the steps in the evening, getting up early in the morning and organizing our calendars to make room for exercise. The following steps can follow in the very near future.
If you are ready for high levels of achievement in 2023 then its time you team up with a Wellness Coach. Consistency requires discipline and accountability and that is where your Wellness Coach can provide guidance and the support required to get the best out of you. Book your FREE consultation session now. What do you have to lose?
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