We all make goals at least once in our lifetime. Goals help us get to where we want to be. How many times have you successfully completed a goal? How many times has it failed? As with most things we succeed with some and fail with others. Both are learning experiences. What worked for you when setting a goal? Was it realistic? Here are a few methods I use to set achievable goals.
1. Write it down. If I write down a goal and leave it in a place where I can see it then I have a constant reminder. Having it visible and not just in my head makes it real. I will often write with a dry erase marker on my bathroom mirror or tape a note to my front door.
2. Tell someone. This is related to #1. If I tell someone about my goal I have someone to hold me accountable. Having another in on it helps me because I want to be able to tell them that I made it. It’s a good feeling. My person of choice is usually my mom. She’s an amazing person and she has risen above many difficulties in her life. Watching her overcome gives me the courage to try.
3. Be specific. I need to lose weight. When I write down my goal I’m just going to write, “Lose weight”. That is an instant failure. Instead I write that I need to lose about 80 lbs and I am going to accomplish that by working out at least 3 times each week, drink at least 64 oz of water every day, and not binge.
4. Be positive. I was listening to a radio station in the car and they were reading off some tips about resolutions. One tip stuck out in my mind. Don’t make a goal to not eat candy. We don’t take deprivation well. Instead, make a goal to eat 3 servings of fruit each day. I think that is brilliant advice. Focus on what you CAN do, not what you can’t.
Not too hard, right? I have a hard time sticking to goals. Making a goal and persevering to the end is not one of my talents. However, I keep making goals and trying my best to better myself. I may be flawed, and I may always be flawed, but that won’t keep me from trying to be better and do better.
Do you have anything to add to the list? What are ways in which you can make a goal a success?
Great tips!! Especially number 4! I can’t say I will never eat “insert food here” again, I would never be able to do it!
Blog about it. I would have already stopped the fitness part for this year, but being that I turned it into a series on my blog, I have to keep going or else everyone will know I failed.