The Secret to Sticking to Your Goals: Tips from a Psychologist

Are you someone who consistently sets goals for yourself, only to struggle with actually sticking to them? If so, you're not alone. It can be incredibly frustrating to put in the effort to set and work towards a goal, only to fall short of achieving it. But the good news is that there are ways to increase your chances of success.

Here are some tips from a psychologist on how to stick to your goals:

1.Set Specific and achievable Goals

It's important to make your goals specific and achievable because it helps you stay focused and motivated. When your goals are too vague or overly ambitious, it can be hard to know where to start or what steps to take. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed or discouraged, which can make it difficult to stick to your goals.

For example, let's say your goal is to "lose weight." This is a vague goal that is not specific or achievable. It's not clear how much weight you want to lose, or by when. This can make it hard to stay motivated or track your progress.

On the other hand, if you set a specific and achievable goal, such as "lose 10 pounds in the next three months by exercising three times a week and eating a healthy diet," it becomes much easier to stay focused and motivated. This goal is specific (lose 10 pounds) and achievable (over a period of three months). It also includes specific actions you can take to work towards your goal (exercise and eat a healthy diet).

2. Keep Track of your progress

It's important to keep track of your progress when working towards a goal because it helps you stay motivated and on track. When you see the progress you've made, it can be incredibly rewarding and give you the motivation to keep going.

For example, let's say your goal is to run a marathon. If you only check in on your progress once a month, it can be hard to stay motivated and see the progress you've made. However, if you track your progress on a daily or weekly basis, it becomes much easier to see how far you've come and how much closer you are to reaching your goal.

There are a few different ways you can track your progress. You can use a planner or app to keep track of your accomplishments and the steps you've taken towards your goal. Or, you can simply make note of your progress in a journal or on a whiteboard. Whatever method you choose, it's important to regularly check in on your progress so you can stay motivated and on track.

3. Have an Accountability Partner

Having an accountability partner can be incredibly helpful when it comes to sticking to your goals. An accountability partner is someone who will hold you accountable for the goals you've set and encourage you along the way. This could be a friend, family member, or even a professional coach.

For example, let's say your goal is to start a daily meditation practice. Having an accountability partner can help you stay motivated and on track. You can share your progress with your accountability partner and ask for their support and encouragement. If you have a hard time sticking to your daily meditation practice, your accountability partner can help hold you accountable and remind you of the importance of your goal.

If you're having a hard time finding an accountability partner, there are a few things you can try. You can ask a trusted friend or family member to be your accountability partner. Alternatively, you can join a support group or find a professional coach who can help you stay on track.

It's important to choose an accountability partner who is supportive and encouraging. They should be someone you feel comfortable sharing your progress with and who will cheer you on as you work towards your goals. By having an accountability partner, you can increase your chances of sticking to your goals and ultimately achieving success

4.Be flexible and adaptable

It's important to be flexible and adaptable when working towards your goals because life can throw unexpected curveballs. No matter how well you plan, there will inevitably be obstacles or setbacks that come your way.

For example, let's say your goal is to train for a marathon. You've been following a strict training schedule for months, but a week before the marathon, you come down with a cold. Rather than giving up on your goal, it's important to be flexible and adaptable. You might need to adjust your training schedule or find a way to still participate in the marathon, even if you're not at your best.

To overcome the challenge of being flexible and adaptable, it's important to have a growth mindset. This means viewing challenges and setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow rather than as failures. It's also helpful to have a backup plan in case things don't go as planned. This way, you'll be prepared for any curveballs that come your way and can find a way to work around them.

5.Stay motivated and positive

It's natural to feel discouraged or demotivated when we're working towards a goal and don't see progress as quickly as we'd like. One way to overcome this is to focus on small wins and progress along the way.

For example, let's say your goal is to lose weight. Instead of getting discouraged when the scale doesn't budge, try celebrating non-scale victories, such as fitting into a smaller size of clothing or having more energy throughout the day.

Another way to stay motivated is to remind yourself of your long-term goals and the reasons why you want to achieve them. When you have a clear purpose in mind, it can be easier to stay focused and motivated, even when you face setbacks or challenges.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to achieving your goals and making lasting changes in your life. Don't give up – with a little bit of effort and persistence, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.