Think big. What is one thing that would improve your life dramatically? Whether it pertains to getting healthy, ridding yourself of debt or getting a promotion at work, think of one thing that would give you the biggest boost and turn it into your goal?
Analyze your habits and behaviors. Don't let bad habits and behaviors sabotage your hard work. Once you've thought of a goal, ask yourself these questions:
- What current habits or behaviors will help me reach my goal?
- What current habits or behaviors will impede my efforts?
For example, if your goal is to run a marathon and you're already running or working out a few times a week, your current fitness habits will help you reach your goal. However if the last time you ran was during an elementary school filed day, you'll have to make running a habit so that you can can achieve your goal.
Write it down. Studies show that writing down your goal will improve your chances of achieving it.
- Approach your goal as if you've already achieved it. This will put you in the right mindset.
- Be specific. The more specific your goal is the better. Instead of saying, "I have lost weight" say, "I have lost 20 pounds and dropped two pants sizes."
- Divide it up. Large goals are easier t reach if you break them into smaller pieces. Divide your big goal into smaller short-term and mid-term goals. If your goal is to run a marathon, a short-term goal would be to run a 5k within the next month, and a mid-term goal would be to run a half marathon by June.
- Give yourself a time limit. Setting a deadline will help you maintain the focus and drive you need to achieve your goal.
- Track your progress. Tracking allows you to see how far you've come and may give you the extra motivation you need when you're feeling discouraged.
Reposted from: 2015 Buffini & Company
