Do you ever write down your goals and lose the paper? Maybe you start the process of completing your goal but then get busy and forget. Science has shown how difficult it can be to create and accomplish a goal, which means you are not alone in feeling frustrated. The game changer is when you understand your brain and use science to succeed in accomplishing your goals.
It’s important to delve deeper into the science behind goal setting and completion. By understanding how our brain works, we can unlock the secrets to success and overcome the hurdles that often hold us back from reaching our full potential.
Creating and sticking with goals are two very different aspects of life, and let me tell you why. The action of creating a habit is a one-time task, and sticking with your goal is an action that will be repeated numerous times until it becomes ingrained in your mind. As mentioned in the virtue map by Redditors, completing a goal can rewire your brain pathways, which can explain why we struggle with staying consistent.
Creating and staying consistent with your upcoming goal is crucial because your brain needs time to implement new pathways. Consistency will help your brain create those new pathways and allow that specific goal to become a habit. For example, working out in the morning will be incredibly difficult until your brain has established those pathways and deemed them significant.
Step 1: Separate your goal by task
Most of us begin our goal-setting with a goal that will take months or numerous small tasks. The time requirement can leave us completely overwhelmed and unable to imagine ourselves achieving our goal. The brilliant idea of breaking up your goal into bite-sized tasks will change the game for us all.
For example, your goal may be to write a book that brings you excitement. If you write your goal down as writing a book, then you will be left overwhelmed, as that is a long-term goal. The solution is to break down your goal into as many small tasks as needed, such as completing ten pages.
This innovative approach not only makes the goal more manageable but also provides you with a sense of accomplishment at each completed task. As you progressively tick off these smaller milestones, your motivation and self-confidence will grow, keeping you on track towards your ultimate goal. Additionally, this method encourages you to focus on one step at a time, reducing the likelihood of procrastination and ensuring that you maintain momentum. By shifting your perspective and embracing the power of bite-sized tasks, you’ll find that even the most daunting objectives can become achievable and enjoyable.
Step 2: Plan when those tasks will be done
One of the most frustrating setbacks to goal-setting is when life gets busy, and you accidentally let other things take priority. Being proactive and planning your life around this goal can help you to avoid that frustration. Goals that hold importance will be worthwhile enough to schedule them into your life. Treat this goal as a crucial meeting that you cannot cancel.
It helps to take a step back and understand that emotion will play a part in creating these new pathways. If you are excited and passionate about this project, you are much more likely to succeed and schedule this into your life.
Remember that adjusting your goals as needed can provide the flexibility necessary to keep moving forward in the face of unexpected challenges. Establishing a support network of friends, family, or like-minded individuals can provide encouragement and accountability, making it easier to stay committed. Breaking your goal down into smaller, achievable milestones can help maintain motivation and provide a sense of accomplishment along the way. Lastly, celebrating your successes, no matter how small, can reinforce your commitment to the goal and make the journey more enjoyable.
Step #3: Ask for accountability
This last step may be difficult for some of us, as it can be hard to ask for accountability. But this goal is critical and deserves careful consideration. If you ask for accountability when creating this goal, you are likely to stay consistent. Scheduling the goal and adding accountability can be that extra motivation you need.
Ask yourself how critical this goal is to you and express that to your accountability partner. Communication will help them know your intentions and help you stay consistent with completing the tasks required.
Recognising the value of your goal and sharing it with your accountability partner can strengthen your resolve and commitment. A mutual understanding of each other’s objectives can foster empathy and support during challenging times. Regular check-ins with your accountability partner can provide a platform to discuss progress, setbacks, and strategies for overcoming obstacles. Embracing feedback and constructive criticism from your partner can help you refine your approach, ultimately increasing your chances of success.
Final thoughts
As you embark on this new journey, remember that consistency and commitment are essential for achieving lasting results. Reflect on your past experiences and use them as learning opportunities to refine your approach and avoid repeating the same mistakes. By incorporating these strategies into your goal-setting process, you are not only setting yourself up for success but also fostering personal growth and development.
It’s important to celebrate your progress, even if it’s just a small accomplishment, as this will reinforce your motivation and drive to continue. Ultimately, transforming your goal-setting habits will have a ripple effect, improving various aspects of your life and leading to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven existence. With persistence, determination, and a systematic approach, you can turn your aspirations into reality and truly flourish.
Emily VerMeer, a dedicated freelance writer, diligently seeks meaning in each endeavour she undertakes. Discover more of her captivating work on her website.
