How to make goals stick

The goal setting and getting path can be filled with a lot of obstacles along the way.

We first start out on this path of goal setting and getting filled with a lot of expectation on ourselves to make it happen.

The mechanics of goal planning with the aim to do your best and to have your sights set on something better for yourself is very sound.  

Yet, why would we set specific, challenging, time and result focused goals, put a lot of effort into the creation, say we are committed to the task, yet walk away from it?

When you reflect on the reasons and excuses, the many variables that come into play, ask these two questions:

What went well and what can I do better?

Reflection is a good tool for improvement and your answers to what went well gives you the connection to belief... if I can do that, I know I can do others things well too!

The question: What can I do better?

Doing the same things and expecting a different result doesn't work...we know that. Thinking and approaching it differently can create a new space for you to making your goals stick. 

Think about these common traps that can hold back your goals...

Stick to your unique qualities and abilities. Understand that one size does not fit all.

What is working brilliantly for one person, may not be your best way.  It is always helpful to start with a clear intention and understand what is your motivation to have this goal in your life.. You and what you are doing is a work in progress and the how you are going to make it happen and the when & how much is a development.  The bonus with setting goals is that you are finding more about yourself.

Don't settle  for anything less. Know yourself and what motivates you.

When you create a new goal, start with simple basic action steps

When you are new to goals and your design is to reach for the highest target, run the 30 km marathon, go the gym every day, lose the massive weight, gain the best job, the big leaps can become very complex and self defeating.

Start small, take the incremental improvements and factor in your whole lifestyle when designing goals.  

A great example of small gains is the sports coach for the British Cycling Team,  Dave Brailsford, he implemented the  1% incremental gains for Team Sky in the Tour de France and the British Cycling team. Brailsford used an holistic strategy with small improvements in every aspect of the athletes life to reach the team goals.  When you read his story, think about what you can do better using incremental gains.

Check your daily habits are working for you, not against you.

Goals are a plan for your life, include your daily habits

Habits are how you are going to make this goal achievable.  Leave this factor out and its set up to fail. Reflect and mull over what you are going to do differently and what you are not going to do to support your goal. Consistent habits generally take 3-4 weeks to stick. Advance your goal by linking it to new habits.

There is More on Habits here and check out the Simple Goal Design

So, look a little closer at what you can do better...

Does your motivation and intention match your goal?
Will small steps and adapting your lifestyle make a difference?
What daily habits can be included that will action your goals?

It's a new day.... Stick to your goals and Design your life