Have Goals But Don’t Know How To Achieve Them? Six Ways To Start Accomplishing Your Goals Today

We all have goals we would like to accomplish. Maybe it's obtaining a new employment position, beginning an exercise regime, starting a new hobby, or saving a certain amount of money.

However sometimes we can get so overwhelmed by our goals that we end up never taking the steps towards them, leaving us in the same position where we started.

Feeling tired of having goals you want to work towards, but never taking those steps? Below are simple ways to begin working towards your goals today.

1. Break Down Your Goals

So often we set lofty goals for ourselves, such as switching careers or running a 10K, but we do not identify the smaller steps needed to start working towards these goals. No wonder it is confusing as to where to start. You can’t simply change career fields tomorrow without taking other steps or run a 10K without prior training.

Take your larger goals and break them down into smaller goals. Using the example of switching careers, what are the steps you need to take towards this goal? Possible steps include attending job fairs, searching job postings, or talking to people in other career fields to determine what career you want to switch to, taking any additional trainings or classes that might be necessary, updating your resume, searching for appealing job positions, applying and interviewing for these positions, weighing the pros/cons of each offered position, and then finally taking that step into a new career field.

Isn’t it significantly easier to see a path towards a larger goal when it is broken down into these smaller steps? Take a personal goal and break down the steps for yourself. Seeing these smaller steps likely will make a larger goal seem more attainable and make you more likely to begin taking the steps.

2. Be Realistic

When we set unrealistic goals for ourselves, we are setting ourselves up for failure from the beginning. For example, if your goal is to begin a workout regime by going to the gym 7 days a week at 5:00am, but you are not a morning person, this will probably not be a goal you stick to for very long. Maybe you alter the goal to just 3 5:00am workouts per week or you find time in the evening to workout to make this goal more realistic.

You know your schedule, your habits, and your current commitments. Don’t set goals for yourself that are so far out of reach that there is a small likelihood you will stick to them over time. Instead find realistic ways to incorporate your goals into your daily routine, making them easier to maintain.

3. It's Okay To Start Small

On that same note, it is OKAY to start small. If you are wanting to get into jogging, but all you can manage currently is a 15 minute walk around the block, then start there. Or if you want to accomplish a task, but have been putting it off because it seems too daunting, devote 10-15 minutes per day working on this task.

Nothing is too small and something is always better than nothing. When you put these smaller chunks of work together consistently over time, it can add up to significant progress towards accomplishing your goals. If small commitments are all you can manage, do not get discouraged. Start with these small steps today and over time you will be amazed at what they can add up to.

4. Set Deadlines For Yourself

AND hold yourself accountable to these deadlines. Sometimes we are so diligent about sticking to deadlines that other people set for us, but when it comes to our own timelines, we tend to be more lenient. Treat your goals as if you are your own boss. Set deadlines, write them down, be consistent, and do everything in your power to stick to those deadlines. Remember to make them realistic (see tip #2) to set yourself up for success.

5. Remember Your “Why”

Sometimes when we get into working towards a larger goal, we start to question whether we are doing the right thing or if we actually want to work towards the goal after all. In moments like this when you are losing your motivation, remember why you wanted to start working towards this goal in the first place.

Maybe you desire a new career for more financial freedom or maybe you want to begin exercising to have a more active life with your children. Whatever the reason behind the goal, remind yourself of this “why” when you start to lose your motivation. Let this “why” power you through and inspire you to continue working towards your goal.

6. Ditch The “All Or Nothing” Mindset

Sometimes no matter how diligent we are about establishing realistic deadlines or consistently working towards a goal, life gets in the way. When we get off track working towards a goal, it can be easy to feel tempted to give up on the goal entirely.

But remember that working towards a goal is not all or nothing. Even if you got sidetracked for a few days, weeks, or even months, do not give up on the goal entirely. Instead resume working towards your goal as soon as you are able to and adjust your set deadlines if necessary. Do not give up.

If you are thinking that you would benefit from a trained professional assisting you in identifying and working towards your goals, Jenna Gentry is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia who provides therapy for Flourish Counseling Services. Read more about her practice, the services she provides, her experience, and contact information to schedule a free 15 minute consultation. Start your journey towards flourishing today!