Motivation, Productivity, and all things Goals

Recovering from the New Year’s parties, we come to the dreaded realization that we have to start fulfilling our resolutions and goals. The first two weeks are easy since you’re inspired and energized but when the third week hits and life goes back to normal we start to lose motivation.

When it comes to setting goals it can get overwhelming pretty quickly. A lot of the time, you might not see results immediately and will get discouraged. Raise your hand if you’ve ever asked yourself these questions: 

• Why aren’t I losing weight the way the fitness youtuber is saying I will?
• Why can’t I find the time to meal prep anymore?
• Why can’t I save money?
• Why is this new skill so hard to master?

These are all questions I myself have wondered aloud and even gotten frustrated over. What I didn’t know then is that it takes time, effort, and quite a bit of patience. Here are some tips to keep yourself motivated long enough to achieve whatever you set your mind to. 

1. Do your research

Whether you decide to pick up a new skill/hobby or shed a few pounds, it is crucial to do your due diligence in research. Not every piece of information you read is accurate and when you don’t see the results you’re expecting, you might be tempted to quit. If you research exactly what it takes, the typical time frames, the necessities you need to start, you will find it much easier to plan out the way you will achieve your goals. 

2. Create a detailed plan

Organization is key. Whatever your goals are, it is important to create a plan of when and how you will achieve them. Find the times that you’re available and schedule those times to dedicate to your goal. Give yourself structure and a layout of how you will succeed because no matter how much you want it, if you don’t have a set plan it won’t come. 

3. Change your mindset

It all starts with your mentality and the way you think. It’s easy to convince yourself that you aren’t capable of following through with your goals or that you don’t have enough time or finances to keep going. Here’s a little secret; you can do anything you set your mind to. Though it may be difficult, if your mindset is filled with positivity and discipline you will find a way. Find inspiration online through pinterest, read motivational quotes, read self help books about achieving your goals, and one day it will no longer be difficult to believe in yourself. 

4. Time to start

A big mistake people make when it comes to fulfilling their goals is saying ”I’ll start tomorrow”. Time is of the essence especially if you juggle work, school, or your personal life. If your goal is to eat cleaner but you’ve had an unhealthy breakfast then have a healthy lunch. If your goal is to start exercising but you haven’t worked out all day then go on a walk or do a quick ten minute workout at home. It doesn’t matter if your first step is small or big, what matters is that you break into action. 

5. Keep track

Once you get started, be sure to keep track of all the little achievements along the way. Invest in a cute bullet journal or planner to write down the number of steps you took that day or what you ate. Being as it takes time to see results make sure to mark the steps along the way to keep yourself motivated and inspired. You don’t even need to buy the pretty planner or notebooks, mark it down on your phone or a piece of paper. 

6. Be mindful

This one is the most important. Set realistic goals for yourself. Be mindful of how much time you really have to allocate to working on your goals as well as your current skill level in it. Don’t tell yourself that you can master a new language in a couple of weeks, rather tell yourself that you can learn a few phrases in that time.

Also, do not compare yourself to those around you. People work and succeed at different paces and putting yourself down because your friend is seeing results faster will only put you on the wrong track. 

Setting goals and succeeding in their fulfillment is no easy task. It takes an immense amount of willpower but it is 100% doable. So long as you organize yourself, start without giving excuses, and take care of your mental well being simultaneously, you will succeed in anything you set your mind to. Here’s to a wonderful year to come! 

Featured Photo by Arina Krasnikova: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-holding-a-pen-6218754/