How to succeed at goal setting

Much of what I am going to share I learned from Dr Caroline Leaf. She is a cognitive neuroscientist who was among the first to dispel the myth that we do not grow new brain cells. I grew up learning that once you lose a brain cell it is gone forever. Science has since proved that our bodies are constantly growing we are always creating new cells for every part of our body. Continuous growth is natural so it is a natural step for goals to be a part of our lives, yet we often fail to achieve them. So let’s talk about some tips to be more successful.

Pablo Picasso said “Our goals can only be reached through the vehicle of a plan in which we must fervently believe and upon which we must vigorously act, there is no other route to success.

In other words we need to focus on the process rather than the goal. Write down the steps are needed to achieve the goal, then incorporate them into your daily life.

We need to work around or with our current schedules. Too much disruption can lead to toxic stress and chaos. Review your schedule and fit the steps into it.  Try to avoid disruption of your current flow; this will increase your chances of success.

Start small and add changes slowly

Establish steps slowly and remember making permanent changes take time. It takes about 63 days for it to become part of our subconscious mind which then becomes automatic.

My ten year goal is to go to Hawaii and take surfing lessons, right now I struggle to get up from the floor how am I ever going to stand on a surf board? I definitely need yoga or some other core building exercise class but I am starting with 5-10 minutes each day of stretching rather than jumping overboard and getting hurt like I have done in the past. As the daily habit becomes routine I will expand upon it.

This will help prepare your mind and body for success, the mind/body connection is very strong, what you expect sets the tone for what happens. Your attitude triggers how you will respond to what comes across your path.  Know that you have the ability to succeed and you will have success.

Make sure your goal is truly yours and not what someone else wants for you. Is it good for you? Will it make your life more meaningful? Analyze your motives and be sure you want it. Each of us is unique and we need to define our goals personally. Know you’re why it will keep you going when times get tough.

Why do I want to lose 40 lbs this year? Because I will be healthier, I will have more energy, exercise will become easier and I will achieve my 10 year goal and maybe even sooner.

 Be prepared to change

Appreciate the journey, things will happen that you could not foresee. When things happen we have the ability to choose how we will respond, proteins in our bodies change as we think and choose.  Be flexible and remember there are no failures only learning opportunities. The choice is in your mind, review what went astray and adjust your actions steps for success.

Let’s make 2020 the best year yet!