We all have goals, resolutions, ideas and tasks we want to accomplish. Every year on January 1st, I witness an over-packed gym full of zealous individuals working their way towards better health.
It is impressive. What is even more impressive is when you see the same person on April 1st and their physique has significantly improved. Even more impressive that that, though, is the fact that you were there on January 1st and are there on April 1st as well.
I started off 2014 with an insane vision of what I wanted to accomplish. I wanted my dream body and my dream job by the end of the year. I became obsessed — obsessed with results.
It is common knowledge that the pursuit of anything worthwhile inevitably comes with numerous challenges and setbacks. One step forward, two steps back. It can be extremely frustrating and disheartening.
I did not get my dream body and dream job by the end of 2014. However, I did tirelessly continue to work towards these goals year-round and learned invaluable lessons.
Keeping healthy goals through the year is a science. It is an ever-changing algorithm of thoughts, habits and actions that will sculpt a unique routine focused on achieving your goal. And the discipline to maintain this routine until you meet your goal is highly psychological.
You want to keep your mind over matter. Your sheer determination to throw off the covers, jump out of bed and go for that run is what will allow you to achieve your goal.
Keep in mind the following tips so you can build your algorithm and manage setbacks to keep healthy goals all year round.
1) Think Big, Start Small
No one wakes up and runs a marathon. Training begins at being able to run a mile without stopping. Then, a 5K, 10K, half marathon, etc. Remember to reward yourself for doing any amount of work it takes to get to your goal, even if it is the first mile.
2) Focus on your Habits, Not Results
A common flaw when maintaining ambitious goals is to become obsessed with results. However, your daily habits are what will allow you to accomplish your goal.
If you want to find a new job, you need to make it a priority to spend a portion of your time throughout the week networking and applying.
3) Learn how to Power Through Setbacks and Adversity
You may have a horrible training week for your 5K, or get rejected from a job you really, really wanted. However, it is important to regroup and keep working.
Allowing setbacks to halt your progress is counterintuitive to the consistency required to maintain your goals.
4) Take Time Out for Your Physical and Mental Well-Being
If you are reading this article, it is obvious you are a highly ambitious and perhaps over-achieving and overworked individual. Burnout and stress can cause frustration and hinder momentum. Taking care of yourself is the first step to achieving your goal.
2013 was your year, 2014 was your year and 2015 is your year.
It doesn’t matter how little or how much you have accomplished, or where you are versus where you want to be. What matters is that you are here, you are well, and you have the vitality to continue working.
Cheers to another year of constant growth and learning.
Edited by Jody Smith