How to Set Goals and Achieve Them!
No matter how much life experience you have, there is most likely some goal you would like to reach. It could be doing something positive for your health and well-being, such as exercising, quitting smoking, or learning how to manage anxiety. Or it could be that you would like to pick up a new hobby.
Either way, below, you will learn the top 5 tips on setting and reaching goals! Research supports goal setting is helpful in therapy; whether you aim to reduce stress or anxiety, or increase your self-esteem, talking your goals through with your therapist can help support your recovery.
1. Think Big
Often, we overestimate what we can do in a day but underestimate what we can do in a year. When setting goals, it’s essential to think beyond where you are today and look deeper into where you want to be. You might not know all the steps now, but if you set a goal outside your comfort zone, you can break them down over time and eventually reach them. The time will pass anyway.
2. Write your goals down on paper
There is a reason many of those who have achieved great things had journals of their accomplishments. It’s because there is power in getting your thoughts and goals out of your mind and onto paper. By writing down what you want to achieve, they become real, and you can see what you’re about to go after in front of your eyes.
Watch your creativity kick in, allowing ideas to flow onto the page. When they do, be sure to write those thoughts and ideas down, too, as you’re creating a blueprint. Each time you hit a milestone, it is also great to reflect on how you were able to do so and evaluate what needs to be done next.
Journalling has many other benefits too!
3. Be realistic when starting
Once you define what your goals are, you’re then able to begin breaking down the steps to helping you achieve them. When doing so, recognise that some of the habits you’ll be implementing may be new. Therefore, it’s essential to be realistic when starting out.
If your goal is to run a marathon, but you have yet to gain experience running, the first step would be to gradually build up your fitness by doing short runs and increasing them over time. You can then find a route you enjoy, and work your way up to 1, 3, 5, and 10 miles, then a half marathon, and finally a full marathon.
When you are starting out, breaking your goal into smaller tasks will prevent you from getting lost or overwhelmed. You are more likely to be discouraged if you don’t develop a clear action plan.
4. Take it easy on yourself
We each tend to be our worst critics, which is no different when trying something new. As you develop new habits, take it easy on yourself as you’re a beginner again. Getting outside of your comfort zone comes with some growing pains that you must be able to work through.
By taking it easy on yourself when you don’t get it right off the bat or as you continue onto the next step of your goals, you can give yourself the grace that you would anyone else who was learning something new, and yes, you deserve that too!
5. Seek accountability and be resourceful
No matter your goal, someone who has already done it or something similar is likely out there. You can search online, follow those who have already achieved what you would like for yourself, and reach out when the opportunities present for you to improve.
You don’t have to do it alone, you can learn how to set goals with the help of a mentor, coach or counsellor. There are programs out there to help you accelerate your growth. You can be resourceful in finding the accountability and the connections that best suit your needs.
Conclusion
No matter your goal, getting started and developing a plan of action is critical. By following the tips above, you can start strong in setting and reaching your goals.
If you need additional support to reach your mental health goals, please don’t hesitate to contact Clear Haven Therapy. We offer Counselling and RTT Hypnotherapy. If you want to learn more, book a consultation call today!