Ask an Expert
I set goals everyday and don't do them. What is wrong with me?
Submitted by: Lydia
Answered by: Lisa Garber, M.Ed. CPCC
Setting and achieving goals are not easy tasks for anyone. There is nothing wrong with you Lydia. Here are a few tips that might help.
- Set goals that matter to you. Is your goal really meaningful? Ask yourself why you want to achieve that goal. For example, I want to do cardio exercise 4 times a week. Why? Because my whole life I dreamed about being an athlete and at this stage in my life, running on the treadmill or hopping on the eliptical is about all I can do to fulfill that dream. I love the feeling of being an athlete. So, I focus on that feeling and on the WHY I want that goal. It is motivating.
- Break down goals into really small steps. I didn't get to the gym 4x's a week at the start. And I didn't get to 3o minutes either. At the start, I committed to once a week and for 10 minutes. You want to set actions that you can win. Each time you succeed, you train your brain to believe. You build confidence and that will motivate you to take the next step.
- Focus on the positive aspects of everything. Honestly, negativity or complaining breeds listlessness, energy drain and struggle. Start to train your thinking and focus on the positive aspects of everything. Even your desire to achieve some goals is positive. Did you know that most people don't even set goals? They tend to float around life like a piece of driftwood on a rolling sea and then wonder how they got to where they ended up. Notice the postive aspects in your life and you will be surprised as to how things go smoothly. You may find yourself working on your goal without efforting. It starts to happen more naturally. Less stress. More joy. That's a great intention for life.
Hope this helps.
Lisa
