ATTAINING THE “ELUSIVE” GOALS
November 13th, 2008
WORD COUNT: 921 Short, Yet Empowering Words
TIME to ACHIEVE: * About 3 1/2 MINUTES *
(A bit longer than usual, but you’re worth it!)
I recently found one of my journals from 1995. As I read it, I noticed a goal that I’ve been setting for … just about every year of my adult life. Talk about an eye opener! Yet the good
news is there were many more goals that had long since come to fruition.
But if you’re wondering about the goal that still lies open in all its glory, it’s related to regular exercise, and a healthier diet. This also happens to be the #1 goal most people consistently put on the back burner. No surprises there, right?
So this discovery sent me on a quest to figure out how to make this a priority. I reviewed some of my own advice, and also explored other resources. My hope is that you have no elusive goals. But if you’ve got one, like me, that keeps coming back every year, may you find a way to attain what you truly desire. May you find a suggestion or tool that fits, so you can realize the success you so richly deserve.
** 9 TIPS TO ATTAIN THE “ELUSIVE” GOALS ***
1. IDENTIFY THE THOUGHTS THAT ARE POWERING THE LACK OF ATTAINMENT. Our results always mirror our expectations. So ask yourself, what beliefs must exist in order for me to not achieve this goal? Getting to the root of the issue, always begins with identifying the beliefs that are driving your results. Write them down. Acknowledge what’s been holding you back, so you can decide how to effectively dissolve the counterproductive beliefs. I do find it interesting that few diet or fitness experts mention this. Most are focused solely on action.
Yet right action always follows right thought, doesn’t it? Thoughts are the cause of things. Start here, then you can decide what else may help you
move the elusive goal into the permanently achieved column.
2. RECOGNIZE THAT IT’S OKAY NOT TO BE PERFECT. If we stumble one day, or don’t live up to our high standards, let’s pledge to let it go. We can smile at being delightfully imperfect, and then refocus on thoughts and actions that will move us positively forward.
3. MAKE SMALL GRADUAL CHANGES. Research shows that small and steady is better than trying to tackle everything at once. So if it’s a healthier diet, and regular exercise you desire, startwith something you’re likely to do. For example, begin with 20 minutes of exercise every other day. Once you’re consistently doing that, dial it up a notch if you like.
4. TIE YOUR GOAL TO A BIGGER PURPOSE. Does this sound familiar? I start out doing really well. Then I get bored or frustrated, and go back to what’s comfortable. This is where it helps to connect to a bigger purpose. This is a value that will keep you motivated when you want to give up. What’s really important to you? What’s your essential ingredient? For me it’s making a
difference. So acknowledging that I can’t do that, if I’m unhealthy, will keep me motivated. I’m better equipped when I feel physically fit.
5. SET A THRESHOLD THAT WORKS FOR YOU. For example, I have absolutely no desire to be a triathlon competitor, and I also enjoy good food. So being too stringent in this area of my life, would only work against me. So the moral of the story, is to set thresholds you can live with.
6. REPLACE “THE DON’TS” WITH BETTER OPTIONS. We all know that most diets don’t work, and for obvious reasons. For no one wants to feel deprived forever. Experts agree that instead of trying to focus on what you can’t have, which only makes you want it more, find something to replace the undesired behavior with something that feels just as good, or even better. It always comes back to enjoying the journey, doesn’t it?
7. DECIDE, DO I REALLY WANT TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL? At some point we all need to decide if the elusive goal, is something we really, truly want, or is it just on the list, because we think
it should be? If the goal is really important to you, then make a commitment. Don’t allow yourself to continue to say “I’ll deal with this later” or “after I’ve done everything else”. Because we all know, that day may never come.
8. MAKE YOURSELF A PRIORITY!!! We’ll do stuff for everyone else first, then maybe if we’re not too exhausted .. we’ll give back to ourselves. For most people, family matters, a boss with deadlines, and everything else that’s attached to someone else’s expectations, will get their attention first. So, how about making yourself your highest priority? How about setting an expectation that you’re worth it? We can’t take care of everyone else forever, if we’re not refilling the tank. I believe this is the #1 cause of illness in this country. Far too many people neglect themselves until their bodies finally say enough!
9. GET HELP. Teams perform better than lone rangers. Find a friend or a group, build a team, use the tools, and let go of the past. History doesn’t determine your future, unless you let it.
There are hundreds, if not thousands of goals you’ve already attained. Let them serve as a reminder that you can do anything you choose to focus upon. You can be anything, and you can have anything, without question. Decide if you really want it.
Have fun and know that whatever you truly desire, is within your reach.
Your friend and partner in inspired living,
Copyright© Laura Cardone 2008. All Rights Reserved. This is a Daily Discovery Series edition. www.profitswithpurpose.com is for enlightened leaders who are passionate about creating a successful business, AND a fulfilling and balanced life.
