1st Jan 2016
So, it's that time of year again. The start of a new year and a clean slate. You will have lots of ideas of what you want to achieve in 2016......lose weight, get fit, stop smoking, drink less etc etc. But how often do we really achieve these plans we make at the start of the year? We start off with good intentions in a blaze of determination but within a few weeks its back to the old routine. The motivation to continue just isn't there. So, with this in mind I have put together 5 steps to help you achieve what you want and keep that motivation going!
1/ Set ONE goal at a time. A list of goals will quickly become overwhelming and you will lose focus. Just pick one and only one. Once you have achieved that you can start on the next.
2/ Break your ONE goal down into very small stages. Make them tiny achievable sub goals. So if you want to get fit, rather than thinking 'right, I'm going to the gym 5 times a week' think instead 'I'm going to exercise for 5 mins every other day'. You will easily achieve this and it will make you feel good, positive and motivated. You can build it up slowly from there.
3/ Write it down! We are far more likely to achieve a goal if we write it down and keep a schedule. Psychologically it makes it more concrete rather than just an idea floating around your head! Put your main goal of 'getting fit' for example, then write underneath your small attainable sub goals. Put a time-line for when you want to have done each one. Tick it off as you pass each stage. It will give you evidence that you are on your way and keep that motivation high. Put it somewhere you can see it easily everyday.
4/ Be excited about it! Build anticipation in your mind. Rather than spending time on the drive home from work dreading going to the gym use positive visualisation to imagine how good you will feel after. It's far more motivating and you will be excited to get going!
5/ Reward yourself with praise. Positive reward is a far better motivator than threat. Use language that is positive. So, don't tell yourself 'I will be so fed up if I don't go for a run tonight' tell yourself 'I'm going to be so proud of myself for going for that run tonight'.
Remember if you miss one day or have a minor set back don't pay it any attention.....you don't need to be perfect to achieve what you want in life. Learn from it, write it off and move on!!!