As you set your goal, ask yourself not only what you want to accomplish, but why you want to accomplish it. Figuring out what drives your goal will help give you purpose in the beginning, and motivation as you move toward your target. If you want to lose weight, for example, your reasons may include wanting to feel more comfortable in your own skin, be more physically capable, and feel better about your appearance. It helps to write down your goal on a prominent place, such as your wall calendar.
Establishing many small goals within a single larger one will keep you motivated and on track.
For example, turn on some music or listen to an audio book if you are working on a repetitive task.
You’ll find that keeping a positive, pleasant attitude will also make others more willing to help you achieve your goals.
For example, if a relative doesn’t support your professional ambitions, then you may need to stick to non-work topics when talking with them. This doesn’t hold totally true if someone is genuinely trying to offer you constructive advice or criticism. Other people sometimes see things you can’t, and you can use their words for guidance. Use your best judgment to determine whether or not their words will be helpful or harmful to you.
For example, you might join a social group for small business owners. You can feel comfortable discussing any hardships, such as rent raises, that you are coping with.
For example, if you keep stalling out at the interview stage for jobs, then you might need to polish your interview techniques. Think about whether you’re self-sabotaging. Underlying beliefs or negative feelings can keep you from reaching your full potential. If you find yourself getting stuck and can’t seem to move past it, check in with yourself to see if you’re attitude is the root cause.
Abusing alcohol and other substances is a particularly dangerous type of escapism. Look for more healthy ways to shift gears, such as working out. Don’t beat yourself up for taking time to let your brain rest and recharge. Hanging out with friends, going for a walk, reading a good book, watching your favorite show, or even taking a nap can all be forms of self-care. Just don’t focus on them so much that you stop chasing your goal.
For example, you might decide that pursuing a teaching degree is not for you, but you will need to find some sort of gainful employment goal.
For example, if you are repeatedly invited to an event that you don’t wish to attend, keep saying “no” in the same confident way until the person gets the message.
For example, you might state, “I’m not comfortable with that. ” You don’t need to give any excuses or justifications for your refusal. Just keep saying your statement. This approach also requires that you avoid any attempts to sidetrack you and stay on your original message.
For example, you might ask a co-worker to send you a particular email, but they may not have it. However, they might give you the name of someone who could forward it to you.
