An Easy Method To Stay On Track With Your Goals
When it comes to goal-setting we're all quick to set audacious long term goals, however as I'm sure you've experienced first-hand it can become hard to remain on that path and find motivation as your end-state goal is so far away.
Whether that's a profitable business or a spartan-esque physique doesn't matter.
It's important to set and pursue these large goals but it's equally important to implement a plan to keep you on track and motivated while you work away at 'em.
It sounds simple (and it really is!) yet most guys fail to do so.
These are the same people that eventually get discouraged and quit working on their goal all-together.
Ive been there, even if you're making progress just knowing how much effort you've put in and how much farther you have to go can be quite demotivating.
Here's How I Recommend Staying On Track With Your Goals...
Break It Down
Break your large goal down into a one month goal.
This must be a testing yet achieve goal within the course of 30 days that is measurable.
"Losing fat" or "Increasing revenue" or "Decreasing my bounce-rate" aren't going to cut it here...
If you lose fat at the start of the month and end up getting derailed on your diet and putting it back on you may've lost fat initially but you're back at square one. That's why we're using metrics for each and every month-long goal we set.
Here's a few examples of 30 day goals I've previously set and achieved for myself...
- Read 4 books
- Drop 3% bodyfat
- Decrease IgnoreLimits' bounce-rate by 5%
Get A Calendar
Buy or print-out a calendar - don't use an electronic calendar as this doesn't give you the same 'feel' after physically putting a cross on each passing day.
You must spend at least an hour working on your 30 day goal each day.
At the end of the day put a cross with a black marker through the corresponding day on your calendar.
No breaks in the calendar are permitted.
You must put in at minimum an hours' worth of work on your goal to mark that cross.
Reward Yourself
Provided you stuck to your goal and marked off each day after you'd put in the work it's time to reward yourself.
I'm not telling you to go out and buy a new car or go on a week long carbohydrate bender...
Do something small to signify the end of the month and intermidietary goal you achieved.
Ensure your 'reward' doesn't undo the work you've put in over the last 30 days (or obliterate your bank account!).
Buy yourself a new book.
Get a haircut.
Go and get a deep tissue massage.
Go on a roadtrip for a day or two.
Rinse & Repeat!
New month. New 30 day goal.