Setting goals can be great for our wellness and life satisfaction, but they can also cause lots of frustration if they are not met. There are many reasons why people don’t reach their goals. They might not have the energy or motivation, they don't have the discipline, they procrastinate, the goal is not realistic or they have a fear of falling so they don't even try.
One of my favorite things to say is “Nothing is impossible if you try, never say quit, never say die” . The word impossible says I’m possible. That is pretty powerful in itself. You will NEVER meet any type of goal, regardless of what it is, if you don’t even try. So if you have a fear of failure, you are already failing but not trying. You might not completely meet your goal, but you can learn from your experience and try again.
Some tips for reaching your goals include:
- Stay positive. Try not to think about all the things that could stop you from meeting your goal. Don't think about the time last year that you didn’t meet that same goal. Be your own cheerleader. Use self-talk and remain positive. Think about how great you will feel once you meet that goal.
- Stay on track. Keep the goal fresh in your mind. Write it on a piece of paper and tape it to your mirror so you see it every morning when you are brushing your teeth. Make a point every day or once a week to look at progress towards your goal and what needs to still be done to make it to the end. You can log your progress in a journal. It’s okay to take a break and start fresh.
- Stay motivated. Make realistic goals and split them up into smaller goals if you need to. Find a friend or family member to help you be accountable and give you support. Don’t take on goals that are bigger than the world. Reward yourself when you meet the smaller goals.
Shawna Martin, Chief Clinical Officer