5 Tips for Tackling a Goal

Goals are a core part of what makes each of us unique. Even if we aren’t 100% sure what our goals are, we are probably trying to identify them. Each authentic goal we give ourselves is a step towards the lives we each want to lead. The difference between goal setting and expectations is that goal setting is about working towards something that helps you live the way you want to live; and expectations are judgmental views of yourself. When you do figure out a goal that is authentic to you, that you want to work towards attaining, write it down! Keep it near you somehow, whether it is on your phone’s background, a post-it, a collage of goals, or some other visible reminder you will see on a daily basis. Now let’s get into HOW to work towards a goal in a supportive and empowering way:

Write down your “Why”

What is leading you to want to attain this goal? Writing out your why can be a helpful guiding star while you are on the path to tackling this goal. Sometimes long term goals can seem like they are an eternity away, and we can lose the “why” behind what started us on this path in the first place. So write down this goal and why it is meaningful to you- and keep it somewhere you can see on a regular basis.

Be Honest with Yourself

Part of goal setting is being realistic. How do you operate? Are you content with the way you operate in different situations? Maybe you procrastinate, and want help finding ways to minimize procrastination? The better we know ourselves, and how we operate, the easier it is to identify what skills we naturally have & the ones we want to build.

Set Mini Goals

Breaking any goal into smaller “chunks” is a great way to stay accountable and on track without getting overwhelmed by the bigger goal. Think about the daily or weekly actionable goals you can work on that help develop your larger goal into a reality. What are some small things you want do that support your goal?

Identify Ways to Stay Accountable & Actionable

Just as we highlighted in being honest with how we operate, we can utilize our knowledge of ourselves to find ways that help us stay accountable. What can you put into place to help yourself be consistent? Is there someone with a similar goal who can be an accountability partner with you? (cough cough- therapists can help with this)

Leave Room for Ebbs & Flows of Life

Something that helps separate goal setting from expectations is leaving room for variability. Sometimes we are going to attain a goal in a way we didn’t see. Maybe it is not happening in the time frame you had hoped, or the way you originally planned. Leaving room for changes helps keep the mindset that goals are attainable, but can vary as life shows up. For example, maybe your goal is to get stronger, but then you hurt your ankle. This might mean limiting your workouts for a few weeks until you are recovered. A minor hiccup is not going to derail you from your goal! It just means that we need to show some grace towards ourselves, and process the frustration of this change- and more importantly- KEEP GOING with the ebbs and flows.

Whatever your goal is, if it is important to you- you will get it done! Reflect on any impatience you might be battling and talk to your therapist about ways to be more self validating rather than self-sabotaging.

If you are looking for an accountable and supportive resource, check out my page to book an intake session with me!