10 tips on how to achieve your goals

Do you need tips on how to achieve your goals in 2017? Whether you call it resolutions or goals many people have a love-hate relationship with goals. We love them because they are such a great way to motivate us to achieve what we want; but we hate them, because we feel bad if we do not achieve them.
I would like to suggest some straightforward and practical techniques on how you can set goals and achieve them.
After all, what good is a goal if it isn’t something you can achieve?

Tip 1 – You have to want it!
Do not bother to set goals for things you do not really want. For example do not set a goal based on what your spouse is doing or your friends are doing. If your goals are not something you personally want to accomplish, and they are not relevant to you, you are unlikely to succeed because deep down you do not really want to.

State your goals in a positive way, a goal should always be something you want to have, or change. They should not be things someone else thinks you should do.Ask yourself on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being total commitment and 1 being zero. How committed are you to reaching your goal? If it is less than 8, you might want to reconsider the goal.

Tip 2 – Focus
Start small. Pick a few areas that you want to work on. Too many people make a laundry list of things they want and they end up achieving nothing! Remember that to achieve a goal does not happen in a moment, but rather through small consistent changes. So try to keep your focus to a couple of things. This way you can get success in your identified areas. It is not about the number of things you list, but about the things you really want to achieve.

Here are some aspects of your life you might like to think about: Health, Wellbeing, Career/Business, Family, Spiritual growth, Finances, Relationships etc. Identify the first thing on your list and the others can follow later, but it is best that you should focus on one or two at a time.

Tip 3 – Understand the Benefits
So you want to lose 20 kg? Long-term you will, but for now, think short-term and about the benefits. Think about the benefits you will enjoy when you lose the weight. Whatever the goals that you set are, understand the benefits to yourself and visualize how you will feel when you achieve your goals.

Tip 4 – Write down your goals and the benefits
If you are trying to lose weight your benefits might look something like this: Feel healthier, get off medications, clothes will be more comfortable, your husband says you look 25 again and so on. If your goal is to get more sleep, you might say the benefits would include feeling more rested, needing less coffee etc. By making a list you will be able to see what you will benefit from accomplishing your goal.

It is a good idea once you have thought of these benefits to write them down along with your goal (On the fridge, mirror etc) so that when you review your goal every day, you’ll also see the benefits to achieving it.

Tip 5 – Make it manageable
Instead of saying, “I am going to save money” change it to “I am going to save 10 percent per week.” It is far easier to accomplish many smaller goals that make up a large goal rather than trying for the large goal straight off. Making it manageable makes it easier to achieve so instead of saying “I am going to spend less time on social media, rather set a goal to say, “I am going to shut down from social media by 8 pm” This way it is easier to measure and you know if you are hitting the timelines you have set or not.

Tip 6 – Reward yourself along the way
When you lose the 5 kg, you can reward yourself with an outfit in your smaller dress size or a treat you would enjoy. This puts a little fun back into the process of self-control and self-discipline. You will look forward to and enjoy the reward.As you reach mini milestones and achieve success, celebrate yourself. This gives you regular motivation and encouragement to keep going.

Tip 7 – Make it a Family Affair
Setting some of your goals as family goals is a great way to get the whole family on board. This can be something that each member of the family can commit to. Some family goals could include  “have dinner together as a family one night per week” or “pray and study a bible verse together on a daily basis”. Setting goals as a family can also lead to family traditions which, encourages bonding.

Tip no 8 – Post it where you can see it
Keep your goal(s) in the front of your mind at all times. Instead of forgetting that you are trying to lose weight and finish two servings of small chops, your visual reminder will help you to say no. Post your goal anywhere you will see it regularly, like maybe the fridge or on your wardrobe door. Choose where is best for you and where you must be able to see it regularly throughout the day.
You could try using a vision board, as visual reminders are very effective.

Tip 9 – Get an Accountability Partner(s)
Explain to a friend or family member what your goal is, including the timeframe, so they can help you with it.
This person should regularly ask you, how you are doing and help if you need any encouragement. They should hold you accountable, but at the same time keep you motivated. Obviously, they must be the encouraging type! (If not, ask someone else who is). You do not need someone who will downplay your goals or rub it in your face if you missing your target and discourage you. A little motivation goes a long way.

Tip 10 – Succeed then reward yourself
This can be anything large or small. If you dropped the 2o kg, really treat yourself, plan to go out and buy yourself that size 10 dress you have always longed for and then wear it with pride.

Make a deal with your family or friend that if you reach your goal they will take you out to celebrate. Whatever it is you plan, make it personal and enjoyable, so you will look forward to it. It will help to keep you motivated when you are struggling and give you something enjoyable to aim for.
Make sure you reward yourself for all your hard work!

Remember goals are not only for a few people! Everyone should have goals but more importantly you should have the right steps in place to achieve the goals.
Yetty Williams | @LagosMums | www.LagosMums.com