How many times have you set a goal, had good intentions, but just didn’t stick to it for longer than a week? Whether it’s not eating out as much, working out a few times a week, or anything else, goals can be hard to keep if you don’t approach them correctly. So how can you hold yourself more accountable?
1. Set realistic goals with a purpose
When setting goals, don’t say you will do something you know you can’t do. If you haven’t gone for a run in over 5 years, you probably won’t be able to compete in a marathon in two weeks. Set goals that are achievable and increase your expectations for yourself as you reach those goals. When setting goals, strive to get something out of it! You need to start working for the things you wish for. Find a strong motivating factor in your life and center the reason you want to reach these goals around that thing. For example, maybe you want to be able to keep up with your kids, have more confidence, be able to take care of yourself as you age, etc. Whatever it is, set a realistic yet challenging goal that will help you get to where you want to be. If you do this, you will be more likely to stick to it.
2. Write down your goals
Writing down your goals is probably one of the most common things that you’ve heard when it
comes to keeping the goals you set. This is important and increases your chance of success because it makes them real and concrete. When you can actually see them in writing in front of you, you can plan accordingly to make sure you are working towards that specific goal. Once you write down your goals, put them in a place where you will see it daily. You could put the note on your desk, your mirror, or in your car. This way, you will be reminded every day of what you are working towards.
3. Tell someone your goals
Many people are better able to stick to their goals if they have someone to help keep them accountable. Choose a trusted friend or family member and talk about your goals with them. As you talk about it with someone else, you will feel more pressure and responsibility to follow through with that person. Have this person check in on you to see your progress or even invite them to help you with certain tasks in reaching your goal.
4. Have steps to follow and milestones to meet
After you have set a small goal and written it down, take helpful steps to encourage you to stick to that goal. Do things like schedule time to work on your goal, set out the necessary items (workout clothes, cookbook, etc.) the night before, and any other steps that would be beneficial. Set milestones as you accomplish parts of your goals and reward yourself in a healthy way as you meet them. After you have kept your goal for a while treat yourself to a new outfit, new workout equipment, a new kitchen appliance, or anything that will continue to help you work towards your goals.
5. Be honest with yourself and with others
Honesty is the best policy. Don’t try and tell yourself or others excuses as to why you strayed away from your goals. Things don’t always go as planned but just analyze the situation and figure out what you can do better next time. Be honest with yourself and with others as to why you might have given up. Tell them if you were unmotivated, scared, or didn’t know how to do something. As you do this you can learn how to fix the problem rather than just give up.
6. Track your goals
Pay attention to what things are helping you reach your goals and what things are taking you off the track you want to be on. Depending on your goal, you can do things like log your workouts, keep track of what you eat, pay attention to how you feel, etc. As you track different aspects of your goal you will notice good habits that are helping you get to where you want to be as well as things that you could try to stop doing.
Sticking to goals might sound difficult but if you approach it properly, you can achieve your goals! Set a realistic goal and have an encouraging reason, write down your goals so that they are tangible, tell a trusted person your goals and have them help you stick to the goals, follow steps and reward yourself, be honest, and track your progress.
Find one thing this week that you would like to set a goal about. Follow these steps and you will find that sticking to your goals will go much better! Good luck!
Sources:
nutritionstripped.com/how-to-stay-accountable/
summerthymewellness.com/10-ways-to-stay-accountable-to-your-health-goals/
medium.com/@nicolascole77/10-ways-i-stay-ridiculously-focused-on-my-goals-686e2e39b0e2