Set Goals That Are More Motivating

A new year is a great prompt to reboot, reset and get started. 

And yet most new year resolutions fall by the wayside by the end of January, or soon after.

So if you find yourself setting similar goals to the past (that you didn’t keep to) reflect on whether it is the ‘goal’ or the ‘method’ that needs tweaking.

For example:

• Is it YOUR goal, or something you feel you SHOULD do? Goals need to be important and meaningful to you…  
• Do you have the ability and/or capacity to take on the new commitment? If something is too hard to carry out you are less likely to do it…
• What strategies do you have in place to motivate you when you are just not feeling it? Strive for PROGRESS not perfection, consistently do something, not necessarily everything…

You need energy to start something new and maintain it. Emotions provide fuel and habits are energy efficient. 

Here are few tips to get started:

• Make the first step as easy as possible and then build on it. For example instead of going to the gym 3 times a week, start by putting your gym shoes on consistently;
• Use emotions intelligently to fuel your actions – maximise those that drive you forward such as excitement, anticipation and interest and minimise any sources of resistance;
• Partner with others so you can plug into each other’s energy when you are feeling flat and to help you feel accountable;
• Set yourself short term targets. For example, annual goals can be too far in the future giving us opportunity to slack. Instead, set 12 week goals (using the template below) to keep the end in sight and increase motivation. 

And remember to make it fun & celebrate your successes – you are more likely to do something when it feels good.