We have to be clear on what we want to embark upon with any goal. It is essential that we immediately apply the below steps to litmus test the goal (to make sure it matters to you) and then gain the inspiration to pursue it. Be as specific as possible.
Ex. To lose 10 pounds or to lower my blood pressure 10 points.
This is a must if you want to achieve this meaningful pursuit. Let the spark of the idea move from the head to the heart. Specifically, how do you want this outcome to make you feel?
Ex. To lose 10 pounds to feel healthier or to lower my blood pressure 10 points to feel more calm.
An impulse is to think it’d be great to have already achieved our goal, but this can cause discouragement to even get started. Embrace one positive action at a time, and allow them to add up day over day. Let’s place this goal six months out and work backward from there, setting milestones along the way. Think of checkpoints at six months, three months, one month, one week, one day.
Ex. To lose 10 pounds in six months (just under 2 pounds/month) to feel healthier or to lower my blood pressure 10 points in six months (just under 2 points/month) to feel more calm.
Not away from an outcome. Science shows us that when we are intentional about where we’re going, not so much about what we’re leaving behind, we’re more likely to follow through. Specifically, state what you want in a self-directed way:
Ex. I want to lose 10 pounds in six months (just under 2 pounds/month) to feel healthier or I want to lower my blood pressure 10 points in six months (just under 2 points/month) to feel more calm.
In a world of “never good enough” the pursuit of a goal can become a complete drag. We have to make sure the goal matters to us and that it is pushing us to become the best we can be—for ourselves, most importantly. Specifically, end your goal statement with it pushing you to be the best you can be:
Ex. I want to lose 10 pounds in six months (just under 2 pounds/month) to feel healthier and to be my best or I want to lower my blood pressure 10 points in six months (just under 2 points/month) to feel more calm and to be my best.