Chances are that some time in your life you’ve made a new goal — and then broken it. Right? Well, I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone. If you’ve been following my guidance all year long, you’ll know that I drafted a similar blog, 5 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams, in January of 2015. I wanted to revisit this issue because for many, staying on track of your goals is not the easiest thing to do.
Many people are unsuccessful in keeping on track of their goals because they need to be thoroughly guided on how to stick with them. 2016 is only a few days away, so now is the time to follow through with any new (or old) goals you’ve set out for yourself.
Here are five tips to help you stay on track…
Know The Intention Behind Your Goals
Think about your goals as intentions for yourself and for your life. For example, if your goal is to stay healthy by giving your body what it deserves – what is your intention behind that? If you know why you’ve set out these goals for yourself, you will understand that you are not just looking to achieve a goal, but rather, you are looking to change your life for the better by achieving this goal. Think about it. Many of the greatest lifestyle changes start with a simple goal.
Take Small Steps
If you’re goal is a major lifestyle change, don’t be alarmed if it seems unachievable. Instead of looking at the big picture, take small steps to get there. Create a plan for yourself by breaking down your goal setting steps month by month, week by week, and day by day. Actionable baby steps are more manageable and doable.
Encourage Yourself
A little discouragement is normal, but you mustn’t let it take over. Become a positive coach for yourself, and continually give yourself positive feedback, praise, and recognition. It is important to look for small signs of progress and celebrate them.
Stay Solution-Oriented
If you aren’t making progress or if you slip into old habits, don’t dwell on your “mistake.” Rather than staying stuck in self-judgment and guilt, take action and admit what you did or didn’t do. Stay solution-oriented. Ask yourself, “What am I going to do about it?” Self-forgiveness improves both self-esteem and determination.
Accept Setbacks
We’re all human and we all make mistakes. It does no good to get depressed or disillusioned by setbacks in trying to reach your goals. In fact, if you know ahead of time that there are going to be times in which you cannot live up to a certain step or schedule you’ve set, accepting it and moving on will help you stay determined. The last thing you want to do is quit if something doesn’t go as planned. Tomorrow is a new day, so let go of the past and try again.
Keeping these few simple tips in mind may help to increase your chances of success. Consider that 2016 is not only a time to make changes in your life, but also a time to be thankful for being alive and well for another year.
For more information on how to stay on track with your goals, or if you’d like to book a 2-hour complimentary coaching session with me, please email me at info@paulagalli.com.
I also invite you to check out my book ‘Weighing Love,’ which was written with the intention to help anyone who is dealing with eating disorders/disordered eating, self-esteem issues, body image issues, and negative thoughts, or for anyone who is trying to reach touch with their authentic self.
Xo Paula
