Staying on Track with Your Goals
The first step to achieving your goals is to formulate a plan.
We covered that last time, check it out here.
The second step is to stay on track.
So where do most people fall off? Usually at the point where something gets in the way or motivation dwindles.
Both these scenarios can be prevented, or at least the “damage” can be minimised.
HOW!? Glad you asked...
1. Unblock Road Blocks
Take some time to try to get ahead of these barriers!
Channel your psychic skills, or utilise the powers of hindsight from previous attempts, to make a list of what might get in the way. Then problem-solve some solutions.
And importantly, remember that you are actually allowed to change the goalposts, or more accurately, add some new goalposts which lead you to the ultimate goal (like croquet!?).
2. Track your journey
Its so helpful to track your journey, to make sure you’re still on the right path! Not only does this prevent you falling off the track by providing bumpers from the gutters, but you might also get a motivation boost as you see the progress achieved so far.
There are so many apps that help with this, but to go old school as well as prime your brain more effectively, we recommend that you write it out and add it to your Vision Board.
A basic example of tracking is an exercise diary, where you see the weight or reps go up.
If your ultimate goal requires some behaviour change, it can be helpful to track these changes too! Here’s an example of how:
3. Just Stay Motivated
Easier said than done. Another of our articles discussed the perils of relying on motivation. Rather, try to form some habits that help you achieve your goal. Once you’re in a habit, it’s actually hard to break it! For more about building habits check out this.
Some more cool tips
Write it down!
Writing it down primes the brain to notice more of the positives and therefore seek ways to maintain them. It’s even better with a picture. The more you see it the more you train the brain, so stick your goal somewhere you’ll see it regularly, such as the fridge, mirror or on your phone screen.
Write your Future Self a letter.
Research has shown that writing yourself a letter, improves the relationship with yourself and therefore enhances the commitment you’ve made to Future-You.
Health psychologists have noticed that people don’t really view their future selves as themselves, therefore writing a letter with your imaginary self, helps make your older self more real!
Gretchen Rubin highlights 4 different “expectation tendencies” that most people fit into, and how they respond to pressure (from others and themselves).
Connect with your Why
Always remember why you’re doing this. It’s gotta matter. Otherwise, why would you do it?
Did you find this article helpful? Why not help others and share it! We are on all the usual social media outlets. Or did we miss anything? Let us know, leave us a comment!
~ Biara Webster, Exercise Physiologist
