“Commitment means staying loyal to what you said you were going to do long after the mood you said it in has left you.” – Unknown
Goal setting is Not Just for New Year
January might be the traditional time of year to set goals for the year ahead, but let’s just take a step back and think about it: if you can’t commit to achieving a goal in May, September, or any other time of year, why will January be any different? Let’s face it, it’s not the time of year that dictates your chances of sticking to a goal, it’s your commitment to achieving it that matters – at any time.
Thinking or Committing?
To make the most of 2019, you not only need to think about what you want to achieve, you need to commit to achieving it.
Consider this:
- Thinking about doing something is just that, thinking. Committing to doing something is taking action to make it happen.
- Thinking can quickly become procrastinating. Committing is focusing on doing what needs to be done.
- Thinking often slips into making excuses. Commitment finds a way to get things done, no matter what.
With the above in mind, here are 3 essential steps you need to take to switch from thinking to committing…
- Get into the Right Mindset
To achieve, you must believe it’s possible for you to achieve. This means adopting a growth mindset and embracing your potential to change. Just because you don’t have everything it takes right now doesn’t mean you can’t acquire the knowledge or skills you need to succeed if you maintain a positive attitude and outlook.
- Set a Clear Goal
Avoid the temptation to make several radical changes at once. For example, you might set yourself the goal of losing weight and quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol and getting into training for a marathon… you get the idea. Too many changes at once make it much more likely that you’ll revert to old ways, it’s simply too overwhelming.
Focus on one thing you want to achieve and commit to achieving it before moving on to the next thing. Make your one goal a SMART goal and break it down into smaller, manageable stepping stone goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Recorded, and Time-phased. Each small success keeps you on track to achieving your big goal, and setting a clear goal helps to keep your energy focused only on what matters most.
- Be Accountable
With the best will in the world, enthusiasm can be hard to maintain at times, right? Stepping stone goals can help to keep your motivation high as each milestone is achieved, but it’s also a good idea to cement your commitment to achieving a big goal by telling friends or family about it. In so doing, you make yourself accountable. Let others know what you’re determined to achieve, and your commitment to achieving it is boosted to a whole new level.
Ask yourself, what are you thinking of achieving this year? Now ask yourself, are you committed to achieving it?
Contact donald@zonedinperformance.com for individual high performance coaching programmes.