For example, your big goal might be to publish a novel. You could set yourself a small goal of creating an outline or finishing a chapter. This goal is easy to measure because it’ll be complete when the outline or chapter is finished. Similarity, your big goal might be to run a marathon. You might set a small goal of running a 5K. You could measure this goal by tracking how far you run every day or by signing up for a race.
For example, your big goal could be to run a marathon, and your small goals could consist of running a mile, running a 5K, running a 10K, and running a half marathon. Don’t get bogged down in the details. Write out a basic framework for your action plan, then get started working toward your goals. You can always change or add to the plan later. Keep it basic with a brief outline. You don’t need to plan every detail. For example, you could start your marathon action plan by just focusing on the steps you need to take to run a complete mile, such as buy new shoes, download a running app, and run 3 times a week.
Try posting your plan on your refrigerator. If you have a workspace, post your plan there. Choose a place that’s easy for you to reference.
For example, running bleachers at your local track may not be fun, but they can improve your physical condition to help your athletic performance. Similarly, getting a lot of criticism on a poem you wrote may make you feel discouraged, but it can help you improve the poem and grow as a writer.
Write down all of your achievements so that you can read over them when you feel discouraged. You could also create a visual reminder of your progress. If your goal is to run a marathon, you might put up a poster with a trail on it. Divide the trail into 26. 2 separate sections. Each time you increase your running distance, color in another section.
You could reward sticking to a goal of writing every day by treating yourself to a new notebook. Get a massage to reward yourself for meeting your running goals. Enjoy a special meal with friends after turning down plans so that you can work on your goal. Take a bubble bath. Buy a set of weight gloves to celebrate your kickboxing progress. Treat yourself to a yoga session. Enjoy a good book.
For example, your plan may be to talk to a friend that motivates you, take a day to brainstorm solutions, and then complete a small task that can help you complete your goal. Say to yourself, “This is all part of the journey. I can overcome this obstacle just like I’ve overcome them in the past. ”
Examples of great mantras include “Every day is a new beginning and a chance for change,” “I’m strong, powerful, and can achieve my goals,” and “If I believe it, I can achieve it. ” If you want to post your mantras, you can use something basic like post-it notes, or you can opt for art prints that incorporate the quote. Post them on your refrigerator, near your bathroom mirror, or on the walls of your home. Choose a place where you’ll see them every day. Focus on saying your mantra over and over again, even if it doesn’t feel true to you. Using mantras is twofold—it’s saying it to your yourself, but also practicing, embodying, and living into that mantra. [5] X Expert Source Sydney AxelrodCertified Life Coach Expert Interview. 30 June 2020.
For example, your mind may say to you, “You’re not good enough. ” You can switch this around and say, “I am good enough, but sometimes I get overwhelmed when faced with challenges. Tomorrow things will look different. ” In general, tell yourself things like, “I’m proud of myself for working hard every day,” “I’ve accomplished a lot, and the best is yet to come,” and “I know I can do this if I keep working hard. ”
For example, if your goal is to perform your own music, you could boost your confidence by participating in an open mic night. If you’re feeling like you’re in a life rut, you could accomplish something bold from your bucket list, such as skydiving. This will give you a sense of control over what you’re doing with your life, which helps your motivation.
Focus on the aspects of these activities that you enjoy or that benefit you. For example, running up hills may be difficult, but it also gives you a better view of the landscape. One way to do this is to focus on what you are actually doing and feeling while you do the activities you don’t enjoy. For example, you may hate work meetings, but you could focus on the change of scenery, the opportunity to chat with your coworkers, or the chance to make a good impression on your boss. [9] X Research source
Look for like-minded friends online or at places related to your goal. For example, you could attend an open mic night to meet other aspiring musicians. You can also look for groups on sites like meetup. com. Don’t spend time with people who are dragging you down. Instead, choose your motivators.
When you catch yourself comparing yourself to others, remind yourself that you’re likely seeing their highlight reel – not the nitty gritty of every day. The only fair comparison is between you and yourself. Make a list of your positive traits and accomplishments to remind yourself of how far you’ve already come!
It’s best to make gratitude lists often. You might even write down 3-5 things you’re grateful for every day. Over time, your gratitude list will make you feel more positive about your life, which helps improve your motivation to keep working toward what’s important to you.
When you start to overthink, write down what’s on your mind, then try to create a to-do list so that you can get to work. You may not be able to address all of your concerns today, but you can make some progress.
For example, get up early every day to work on your goal, such as going for an early morning run or spending an hour working on your manuscript. Start your workday the same way each day. For example, you might check off the easiest things on your to-do list that day, respond to emails, or create a daily action plan. Develop a post-lunch habit that helps you get back on track. For example, you could schedule all of your meetings for right after lunch to help you immediately get back on task.
Schedule appointments with yourself so that you can pursue personal goals. You can also use this time to do things that make you happy.
Say, “Your Halloween party sounds so fun, but I’ve already committed to something that day. ” You don’t have to explain why you aren’t going, so don’t feel pressured to justify your decision.
For example, you may need the person you live with to cut you some slack around the house so that you can meet a deadline. You might ask your running friends for help staying hydrated during long runs. You could borrow a piece of equipment that you need.
