The definition of a goal is "the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result." So why do most people forget about their goals like they're not important? Usually it's because once you get off track it's extremely difficult to get back on. We often forget to plan out the "how" of the goal, or analyze what it will take to accomplish it. The "idea" of goal setting is great, but the reality of what it takes to accomplish it can be daunting.
The goal you set for yourself three months from now means nothing without action. When it comes to long-term goals sometimes it doesn't feel like every day counts. For instance, if you plan on losing 12 pounds in 90 days, skipping a day or two of healthy eating doesn't seem like a big deal. You still have 88 more days right? Wrong. Those days add up, and before you know it, day 90 has arrived and you haven't met your goal.
The success of goal settings comes down to three things:
1. Setting Macro and Micro Goals
An example of a macro goal is, "I want to lose 12 pounds in 90 days." Macro goals are big long-term goals. They need to be paired with micro goals. Think of macro goals as more of your wants, and micro goals is the planning on how you will accomplish your wants.
Micro are more frequent attainable goals. You focus on every day rather than the end result. The real successes are in the daily wins, that's what motivates you to keep going and yields progress. Set daily and weekly goals, then reward yourself when you hit your weekly goals.
2. Having a contingency plan
Have a contingency plan for days when you might not be able to stay on track. For instance, what if you can't work out because you are traveling? How will you stay on track? The key is try to stick to your streak as much as possible.
3. Maintaining a positive attitude
A good attitude is important because your attitude affects your feelings, and your feelings affect your actions. If you constantly look at working out or whatever goal you choose as a burden, then eventually you are going to stop going to the gym. However, if you look at it as building a foundation for a healthier you, then going to the gym on the days you don't feel like it will be more worthwhile. The key is to focus on every day rather than the end result.
Alicia T. Glenn is the founder of Astounding Pursuits, a blog in which she shares her experiences and advice on how to accomplish cool things, and live a more fulfilled life by discovering and pursuing your passion. Join her free newsletter to get business ideas, life hacks, and strategies on how to live a more astounding life.
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