Getting started and keeping going are often the hardest things to master when we’re trying to achieve something. Here are 5 ways to help you take action towards your goals.
- Be realistic about how far away you are now, from where you want to be. If you need a lot of work, it’s going to take a while to get there and it won’t happen overnight. And you may well encounter problems or disappointment on the way. Prepare yourself that this will take effort but recognise that it’s worth it.
- Write a short, achievable to do list and work through things one at a time. It might help to get the most niggly one out of the way first for a bigger sense of achievement afterwards. Reward yourself positively with time off, your favourite leisure activity or some self care.
- Allocate non negotiable time slots into your calendar – even if it’s just 10-15 mins a day. It’s much easier to stay committed to smaller chunks of time rather than a one off longer session. Make sure it’s time that you will use to focus only on this task and nothing else.
- Act when you feel inspired to. And notice when you feel most inspired to act, or when you come up with ideas. If you struggle to get motivated sat at your desk, get up and do something else, go for a walk, take a shower. Ideas are more likely to come when our brains are at rest and we’re switched off. Notice when things work for you, so when you have an important task to do, you know what you need to do first, to get in the right mood.
- Check in regularly to make sure that your actions are taking you in the right direction, and make any changes quickly. Also, remember to recognise the progress you’ve made, and give yourself credit for what you have done.
Making any change is an ongoing process.
Acting on tips like this can keep you on track, and will help you to take more consistent action.
It’s really easy to talk ourselves out of something, or beat ourselves up if we don’t feel we’re doing enough. If you’re doing something regularly, then you’re doing enough. Have faith in yourself and keep accountable, and you will get there.
Next steps
And if you’re looking to make some big changes, check out my new digital guide ‘How To Find Your Spark – The Weekend Project’ – details available here.
Photo credit: @kidcircus via Unsplash.com