Have you ever started a thing, then realized you’d bitten off more than you could chew? I sure have! We set such large looming goals without clearly understanding what we need to do to get there. It’s June and halfway through 2018. What lofty resolution(s) have you forgotten about? Why do most of us dump these goals within a few days or weeks of the turn of the new year?
What if we thought about goal setting differently? First, by asking ourselves why we want to achieve the goal. A “new year” is not a big enough reason for most of us. What is the real reason? For example: If your goal is to find a new job, ask yourself, why you want a new job. If your reason is to be happier, and make more money, the next question is, why do you want to be happier and make more money? Maybe the real reason is to be more involved with your family while being a stronger financial support.
Can you see how much stronger and clearer the latter reason is?
NEXT…
Why not create the primary goal, then develop smaller micro-goals? These micro-goals should ultimately lead you to achieve the main goal. This works like the rungs of a ladder that build upon each other to get you to the top.
Another example is:
Want to lose 20 lbs? Instead of changing your diet to 90% fruits and veggies, AND joining a health club on day two, why not start with increasing your water intake for a while? Don’t get me wrong, I am all about fruits and veggies. But, you won’t stick with it, or have the willpower to hold off your cravings by trying to do too much too soon. And the weight won’t stay off. In the case of losing weight, slow and steady wins the race.
Going back to the new job example, consider starting with the micro-goal of reaching out to one person per day for the next 7 days? Or… I always find it funny when people say they are “looking for a job” but don’t have a resume ready to go! That is another solid micro-goal.
This (micro-goal) idea doesn’t necessarily mean that it will take longer to reach your goals. You can execute your micro-goal strategy as quickly as reasonable for the goal you have in mind.
The important thing is that you create the goal. But, plan micro-goals that make primary goal attainment a gradual yet sustainable process. These mini accomplishments build mental momentum that pushes you forward toward your goals. Make it less about the goal and more about a solid strategy complete with micro-goals that get you there.
Love, Light, and Achievement!
Cr8Ab
CreativelyAble 