Why Can’t I commit to My Goals?
Setting goals can provide a sense of purpose in life while flooding us with a feeling of accomplishment. However, most of us know how hard it can be to stick with it, yet we continue to challenge ourselves all the time. Whether it’s something like losing weight or earning a degree, you can always find a way to stick with it. This article will help you learn how to stick to a plan and stay committed to your success.
How to Stick to a Plan and Stay Committed to Your Success
#1 Think of your Goals / Ideas as more of a shade of gray rather than black or white.
What I mean by this is do not be so hard on yourself. If your personal goal is to lose weight, don’t restrict yourself from all the tasty things in life. Use the 80 / 20 rule by being healthy 80% of the time while letting loose the other 20%. Doing things in moderation will help you create a more balanced outlook on life.
#2 Set Realistic Personal Goals
Have you ever heard that saying, “slow and steady wins the race”? It is the same concept when setting realistic goals. The more achievable your goals are, the more you will stay committed to your success. Setting unrealistic goals can hinder your success thereby making you feel defeated. When we succeed at something, it makes us want to keep going. If one of your personal goals is to pick up running as a hobby, do not go and sign up for a marathon tomorrow. It would be more realistic to train for several months before committing to something like a marathon.
#3 Choose Your Goal for the Right Purpose
Determine what is important to you, and try to set your goals for the right reasons. For example, if your personal goal is to lose weight, do it to be healthy and feel good, not to be thinner. If you are trying to lose weight to be skinny, you might be disappointed if it does not happen as fast as you expect. But, if you are losing weight to feel good about yourself, you are more likely to stick with it because everyone wants to feel good, “right”? The better you feel, the more energy you will have to stay committed to your success.
#4 Start Your Personal Goals Today
It is funny how we start a New Year’s resolution after a late night of partying and drinking. Not many people want to go for a run or eat a salad after partying the night before. So, get a head start on your goals before the new year begins. Putting your resolutions into motion in advance also alleviates the pressure of starting your goals on a specific day. What if you are not feeling good on your prospective goal day? Or, what if something unexpected comes up? Think of your goal as a lifestyle rather than a fad. You can make it your lifestyle by making it your new “normal” now.
#5 Don't Get Down On Yourself
Allow yourself a little slack, and do not give up on your resolution if you had a little cheat treat. No one is perfect, and we are allowed mistakes in life. This is how we learn and grow into better versions of ourselves. You are your own best friend, so be kind to yourself and how far you have made it. Boosting your self-esteem can help boost your motivation to succeed, thus keeping up with your goals. Here are some positive vibes quotes to help you put some pep in your step!
#6 Stick to Your Plan for at Least 21 Days
Experts say it takes about 21 days to form a new habit. You are more likely to stick with your personal goals if you work your resolutions into a weekly routine. Keep this routine for at least three weeks, and it can become your new “normal.” For example, if your personal goal for 2022 is to have a smoothie every morning, commit to it for at least 21 days. Try your best not to skip a day in this time frame. Once your morning smoothy becomes your routine, it won’t feel right to go a day without it. A great way to ensure you keep your smoothy routine is to prepare it the night before. Having a smoothy ready for you in the morning will help you avoid binging on an unhealthy alternative.
#7 Pinpoint Your Triggers And Find Ways to Avoid Them
Make a list of all the triggers or impediments that will hinder your success. Now figure out what you can do to avoid these triggers. For example, if you are trying to cut down on drinking alcohol, try to limit your time spent with people who tend to drink often. If work stress causes you to drink, consider finding a less stressful job. If finding another job is not an option, learn to reduce stress through yoga, mindfulness, and meditation.
Why Do We Set Goals?
So why do we set goals if we often fail to keep them? Setting goals in life gives us hope and helps motivate us to be a better version of ourselves. Never give up, never stop dreaming, and if there is life, there will be an opportunity to succeed at something.
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