May 10, 2017
I always dreaded making long term goals. They seemed so unattainable. I would put these high expectations on myself and when I didn’t achieve them I would feel like a failure.
What I found out over time wasn’t that my goals were too high, I just didn’t see the progress towards the goal. Once I started making smaller, short term goals to then achieve my long term goals it was much easier and felt much more attainable.
Here are my tips
ALWAYS start on a Monday! I start Mondays off with my 1 goal for the week. Usually it’s run 5km, go to the gym 5 days this week or study for a certain length of time. I find starting on a Monday always puts my mind into a positive place for the week. By Sunday when I’ve completed it I’m ready to set my next goal!
Have long term and short term goals. If your goal is to lose 50lbs set smaller goals like, lose 5lbs this months OR walk to and from the grocery store this week. Make smaller commitments and goals that will set you up to reach that long term goal. If you want to run 32km, set smaller goals each week such as: run 5km this week, 7km next week and so on. Smaller goals keep you happy and bring you to your long term goal. They help you stay on track.
BE POSITIVE! Let’s be honest, sometimes we can’t go to the gym 5 days a week or eat healthy 7 days a week. Life happens. It is so easy for us to not do what we want to and let that negativity in our minds stop us from TRYING AGAIN. Don’t be afraid to try again. If you get off track accept it for what it is, move on and start again. Don’t let negative thoughts ruin your goals!
Have a goal list! I list mine in a book. My large, life goals. Even smaller goals. I don’t look at it every day. I can (usually) keep myself on track. What is great is that once a month I look at the list and check off everything I’ve accomplished that month! Maybe it’s write 3 blog posts, go for a run outside 3x times this month. Sometimes I’ve even reached a longer-term goal like lose 10 lbs, gain 10 lbs, hike 15 km or have a smoothie everyday for a week.
