Everybody knows goals are easier to set than to reach. However, the most effective path to achieving any goal begins with a simple question: Is the goal one I think I should meet or one I want to meet? Psychologists who\u2019ve studied how people are motivated, say that those driven by guilt or a sense of responsibility (My doctor says I should lose weight) are setting themselves up to fail. But if you care about the goal (I want to lose weight, so I\u2019ll have more energy to play with my kids), you\u2019ll be driven by passion and positive emotions \u2013 two strong motivators that significantly up your ability to get what you\u2019re after. So how to turn these theories into action? Try these five tips.<\/p>\n
Stay grounded<\/strong> Be specific<\/strong> Spread the word<\/strong> Create a visual<\/strong> Learn to say no<\/strong> Everybody knows goals are easier to set than to reach. However, the most effective path to achieving any goal begins with a simple question: Is the goal one I think I should meet or one I want to meet? Psychologists who\u2019ve studied how people are motivated, say that those driven by guilt or a sense […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[108,106],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14236","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-mind-and-spirit-en-nl","category-mindful-living-en-nl"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\r\n
\nOnce you\u2019ve established that your goal is meaningful to you, set realistic benchmarks. For instance, if you\u2019re going for a new job, make a list of actions that will move you closer. Like revamping your r\u00e9sum\u00e9. Most employers are inundated with r\u00e9sum\u00e9s, and a sure-fire way to make yours stand out is to take a less-is-more approach. Make it easy for them to quickly scan for key information and use white space liberally. A r\u00e9sum\u00e9 that\u2019s packed with details will be off-putting and likely to end up at the bottom of the pile. Next, learn a new skill. Sign up for a class or ask to take on a new responsibility at your current job, which will look good on your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 later. It may sound obvious, but you\u2019d be surprised how many people skip this key step.<\/p>\n
\nA goal such as planning to take two yoga classes a week is more likely to be reached than a vague statement like \u201cI want to be less stressed.\u201d When a goal is detailed, it can be accomplished more easily. Simply saying \u201cI want to get more exercise,\u201d for example, is harder to approach than committing yourself to going for a 20-minute walk after dinner every night.<\/p>\n
\nThinking about setting a new goal? Reach out to friends and family via Facebook for tips and inspiration that will help you get there. For example, post a question like this: Has anybody ever run a half marathon? Share your best training tips to help me get started! That way you involve your friends in your goal (and you\u2019ve gone public with it, so now you can\u2019t back down). As you reach training milestones, let your friends know, then ask for their advice on getting to the next level.<\/p>\n
\nThe saying \u201cout of sight, out of mind\u201d applies to reaching goals too. It\u2019s all too easy to talk yourself out of your daily walk if you don\u2019t have a fresh reminder of your long-term wish to lower your blood pressure, for example. That\u2019s where prominent visual cues come into play. Choose one image that represents your outcome and put it somewhere you take the steps to reach that goal. Trying to get healthier? Place a picture of yourself from when you felt your best on the fridge. It\u2019s a great reminder of how you can feel when you make smart nutrition choices. If your goal is to save money to take a family vacation, make your screensaver a gorgeous beach getaway. Every time you go online to do your banking, you\u2019ll be reminded of the money you\u2019re trying to save.<\/p>\n
\nMany of us put other people\u2019s needs first. By adding the word \u201cno\u201d to your vocabulary (\u201cSorry, I can\u2019t volunteer this time), you open up blocks of time to work toward your goal.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"