I love setting goals for myself. Since the new year has begun, I’ve found myself with a handful of resolutions and goals that I’d like to achieve throughout the year. But, I know that the only way I’ll successfully complete these goals is if I make it a priority in my life.
It sounds easy enough right? But there have been countless resolutions that I haven’t followed through with. Working out, for instance, has always been the biggest struggle for me.
Here are some of my favorite excuses for not working out:
- I’m too busy
- Meh, I don’t feel like it
- It’s not like the gym won’t be there tomorrow
- I’m too full from lunch
- I’ll start on Monday – that way it’s, like, a fresh week
- I’ll do that fitness challenge at the beginning of next month, that sounds like a much better idea, because who even starts a challenge in the middle of the month?
- Oh crap, I was supposed to work out this week huh?
You know, the list could go on and on. Goals aren’t easy to accomplish and that’s why we struggle with them. We have to adjust our schedules and make changes that we don’t necessarily want to. We want the results, but we’re not excited about the effort that it requires.
Here are some tips to make it easier on yourself and help you with making your goal a priority:
Realize that “I’m Busy” is just an excuse
So, you’re really truly busy. Nobody is arguing with you about that. But, when it comes to priorities, you will always make the time for the things that are truly important to you no matter how busy you are. I think it’s important to remind yourself of this fact. It may feel like you’re too busy to exercise, but I can guarantee that if you decided to make it a priority, you could find the time. You can always wake up earlier and adjust your schedule for things that are very important to you, but you have to decide that it is worth doing.
Change your attitude
Goals are challenging and a lot of times, we want the results without putting in the work. Putting in effort sounds exhausting and dreadful. But the truth is that while getting the results of the goal is the point, the journey is what makes it worthwhile. Nothing feels better than receiving a reward when you’ve earned it. It doesn’t feel the same when you receive a reward and you didn’t deserve it. Be excited about working towards your goals. Don’t dread putting in the work. Hustle with pride and determination.
Set a deadline so you know it’s real
Make it feel real. Set a deadline and plug it into your calendar. Hold yourself accountable and make it happen. You’re capable of amazing things when you put your mind to it. Every day, do something to get you closer to your end goal. It doesn’t always have to be big, but know that everyday effort will progress you in amazing ways.
Pause and reflect
Think about why you haven’t made this a priority in the past. Have things shifted in your life to make it a priority now? What brings you to this point where you’ve decided to make a change? Are you willing to make the time for it?
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This article was written by Coley Lane Bouschet who is the Founder & Editor of Life Goals Mag.
