You are probably so sick and tired of hearing about setting goals to achieve what you want. Some of you may even tune out when someone asks you to set goals because they have never really worked for you, in the past. Don’t tune out now, because here are a few hints on how to make your goals work for you!
Most of the time you write goals down and they sit in a drawer or in a book, rarely to be viewed again. Well, those days are over! Try these few simple tips and you may be surprise at how your goals can be achieved.
Colour, colour, colour
Brightness or colour triggers your imagination and creativity centres in the brain. You are more likely to feel motivated every time you see the goals. Either put them on brightly coloured card or paper or write them in different colours on white paper. Don’t write them in a book! Make separate cards or pages for each goal!
Make a collage
Seeing your goals visually rather than in the written word can be more powerful. Use pictures, photos, quotes, words, drawings, paintings — anything that symbolises your goals. You can do one big collage or several small ones for each goal.
Paint or draw
If you artistically inclined, then paint or draw your goals. This gives it even more personal meaning.
Recordings/memories of the future
Record yourself saying your goals. Add in all of the feelings, thoughts, behaviours, activities that are going to help you reach your goal and how it will feel and look once you get there.
If you can help yourself visualise what you want to achieve and all of the feelings and experiences of the journey and the end result, you are more likely to be successful. This will be a great help when times get tough. You can also have music playing in the background for further motivation and emotional enhancement.
Quote cards
Some people find quotes very motivating and meaningful. If you are one of these people, put the quotes on brightly coloured paper or write them in bright colours. The next most important part of the process is the placement of your goals. You need to be strategic so that, most of the day, you are reminded of something you are moving towards.
A US survey found the only difference between millionaires and billionaires was the number of times they read or listened to their goals in a day! So are you going to be an average wage earner, a millionaire or a billionaire? Now is your turn to use this one little secret to improve your health and lifestyle.
Strategic placements could include:
on the vanity mirror in the bathroom;
behind the ensuite toilet door;
above your bed (so the statements are the first thing you see when you wake up and last thing before you go to sleep);
on your bed head;
on the fridge;
on your steering wheel;
in your CD player or digital music player in your office, car or home;
in your briefcase;
on your computer;
as a screensaver;
in your wallet; or
anywhere you can think of!
Reaching your goals also requires:
good planning;
realistic expectations;
belief in yourself, your own ability and that you deserve to achieve; and
focus, commitment, persistence, determination and hard work.
Hopefully this time you will may be a little more excited about setting goals and you may even achieve them. Be creative and have fun!
Kellee Waters is a psychologist and fitness coach at www.mindandbodypower.com.au
YOUR SAY: How do you remind yourself of your goals? How do you motivate yourself to exercise? What are your exercise goals? Share with us below…
