Making goals always feels inspiring and rewarding. But how can we stick with these goals to feel awesome? Do you stay on course for a while only to find yourself veering off the path and stopping altogether?
Reaching your goals can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be impossible! Maybe you decided to start a new fitness routine. Or read more books, start a new language. Maybe a skincare routine? (Hint hint!)
Whatever your goal, the good news is that sticking with it can be very easy! But it does take some planning. Here are some ways that you can stick with (and achieve!) your goals and anything you set your mind to.
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1. Plan Your Goals
First thing’s first, decide exactly what it is that you want your goal to be. Is your focus on your fitness? Your finances? Spirituality? Let’s use my own goal as an example. I wanted to start meditating this year.
To make sure that I actually stick with the goals I set, I start small. I want to work up to twenty minutes or more. But instead of starting at the full twenty minutes – which can be taxing for a beginner – I break this down to build it up.
Five minutes seems much more doable in the beginning. Since there are four weeks in a month (roughly), I can plan on doing five minutes one week. Then, I increase this by five minutes each week until I reach twenty by the end of the month. Of course, you can substitute this with anything.
If you don’t feel like doing a breakdown like that, consider a 30 day challenge. I guarantee there are challenges for any goal or habit you’re looking to start. I like to pick one from Pinterest and go from that.
2. Be Consistent
After you have your plan in place, now it’s time to put it into your schedule. Make sure that you do your goal at the same time every day. Going with the meditation example, I like meditating in the morning when I wake up. So I block off twenty minutes of time, even if I’m starting with five. Remember, the end goal for me is twenty!
Work your goal into your day and make it as important as the rest of your schedule. You have a work schedule. You have a bedtime. Why not have time for your goal? Be as serious about your commitment as your are everything else in your life.
3. Get An Accountability Partner
When you make a goal, ask a trusted friend to hold you accountable. Even better if your friend has a goal they’re trying to achieve as well. Plus, you’ll have a friend to celebrate your accomplishments with! There’s also online communities filled with people who are trying to achieve exactly what you are.
BUT (and this is a big but) don’t tell everyone your goal! Believe it or not, oversharing your goals can work against you. It tricks your brain by giving it a false sense of accomplishment. This can make you less motivated and committed.
Your excitement is real. But don’t let your words get in the way of your actions.
4. Track Your Progress
You can be as basic or technical about this as you want depending on your goal.
For me and my meditation journey? I use a very simple white board in my room that I can easily see. I list the range of dates I’m meditating and put a simple tally for each day achieved. This works for me because I can see noticeable progress with each tally mark made. I’m excited to add a new mark each day! And like me, that might be enough for you.
For more detailed, long-term goals, I love keeping a planner. Particularly, I’m a huge fan of Pipsticks. Not only do they have a detailed calendar, but there are sections where you can talk about your feelings for the month and your goals. There’s a generous amount of room to make notes. And it has stickers! Looking back on your progress will feel that much more rewarding. You get out of it what you put into it.
5. Treat Yourself!
Sticking with a commitment deserves a little treat, so celebrate within reason! If I finish a week’s worth of meditation, I go to my favorite smoothie shop. You could make your favorite dinner or even get something you’ve had your eye on. Again, within reason. Something that keeps you motivated but not so big you’re working against yourself.
Up the ante for your milestones. Make the reward match each level reached. Whatever you choose, make it feel deserved.
What have you found helps you stick with your goals the best? Commenting below could help other readers try a new method that works for them. Let’s help each other live our dreams!