struggling with your goals? here are 3 steps to get back on track

Let me tell you…

Goal setting is one thing…and in all honesty, even goal setting is a task in itself. Yes you are setting goals, but now you ask yourself, why am I setting these goals? What is my purpose behind them? Are these my goals or someone else’s?

That’s an entirely different discussion, but for the sake of this post, let’s say you have your goals in mind, and are somewhere at the starting line, midpoint, etc.. Maybe you began these goals long ago and are revisiting them, or perhaps, are completely discouraged and stuck somewhere along the way.

I know how it feels.

Whether health and wellness related, career related, relationship goals, finances, etc… sometimes we feel like we are five steps forward with a positive energy and outlook, but the next day, taking six steps back and clouded with our progress and mixed feelings.

Let me just say: It’s totally ok. Don’t stress. Don’t worry. And most importantly, don’t give up on yourself or your goals.

The best lessons and personal growth come from the challenges and perspectives that are learned along the way, but there is a very important and necessary ingredient to all of this: your focus, consistency, and effort.

That cannot be missing from this entire goal-setting formula or else you might as well scratch your goals and put your time and energy elsewhere. There is work to be done. You are the key ingredient and the solution to make sure that these goals are followed through, so if you are still in with a full heart and motivation, let’s do this!

3 steps to Get Back on Track with your Goals

1. Revisit the goal itself.

Hey, maybe you feel completely misaligned on the goals you have set for yourself. Maybe you bit off more than you can chew. That’s alright. Putting your ego aside and scaling back a bit to a more achievable milestone could be the answer that is needed at this specific moment.

Something to think of is to really ask yourself why you have this goal set for yourself.

Is the goal there because this is a passion and purpose that you cannot stop thinking of, or as I mentioned earlier, is the goal there simply because you felt forced into it? YOU have to have a deeper connection to any goal you set for yourself otherwise the WHY will not be big enough when times get tough.

2. Have the “end goal” in mind, but focus on smaller checkpoints or milestones along the way

This is such a gamechanger when it comes to staying focused on your goals.

Think about it…

Let’s say you have a weightloss goal of 120lbs. If you solely focused on that goal day after day and week after week barely seeing slight progress towards the total 120lbs, mentally you might get discouraged and quit because the goal seems too grand.

Setting smaller checkpoints to hit along the way to your end goal allows you to mentally get these small wins! Psychologically, you will begin to feel more motivated, energized, and encouraged to continue the journey as you crush these small goals. Before you know it, this fun and life changing journey will lead you to your end goal of 120lbs! Then you can set your next big end goal!

Maybe you have always felt an entrepreneur at heart and would love to open up your own bakery one day.

Starting a business can be a daunting goal for sure, but focusing on smaller milestones will have you progressing to your end vision.

Perhaps your goal sheet has bullet points like this:

Goal: Open up bakery!

• Milestone #1: Create name and logo

• Milestone #2: Create business plan

• Milestone #2: Create line item sheet of categorized expenses

and so on…

Each milestone completion takes you that much closer to achieving your goal. You’ve set it in motion and are stacking up those wins along the way!

3. Get out of your own head!

You CAN do this!

The only reason you have doubt in your mind about your ability to achieve the goal, is because YOU have put that doubt there yourself or listened to others who have reflected their negativity onto you.

YOU are your biggest barrier to achieving your goals…

BUT…

The work must be done. You know this.

Get out of your head and get focused on what will positively prime your mind and push the needle forward.

Unfortunately, self-limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome are REAL feelings people have when it comes to identifying a goal, but shutting themselves down as being able or worthy to achieve such a goal.

I am here to say… The feeling is very much shared! I’ve personally felt this and many others as well. It is completely normal to have this feeling when stepping into a new space or being very nervous about a scary goal, BUT this is just a preconceived feeling that does not hold weight.

YOU are worthy of any goal you set for yourself if you are committed, have conviction with the goal, and bring the effort each day.

Here are two mini-thoughts that fall within this category:

• Where your attention goes, your energy flows. This is a very important saying to remember as you stay focused on your goals. You may catch yourself spending more time scrolling social media, gossiping with co-workers, or being negative while you could be creating positive momentum towards your goal.

• A person who says they can or they cannot, are both correct. They both have the belief whether they can or cannot do it. This is the mentality you need to have for yourself as you stare down the mountain that is your goal.

Short and sweet!

I applaud you for having goals in mind and not settling for where you currently are in life. You have chosen to set big goals for yourself, your family, and your future and now it is time to reflect and get realigned with your purpose.

These three steps seem pretty self-explanatory because quite frankly, THEY ARE!

Personally when I have times of doubt or mental struggle, I take time to reflect on these simple steps that help me get refocused and aligned.

Sometimes my struggle falls in Step 1 and I need to really get clear on my goals and broader vision.

Other times I need to really walk before I run and be intentional with Step 2 so I can focus on nurturing the steps and journey in front of me, rather than focusing too much on getting from A-Z as quickly as possible.

And more often than not, we may find ourselves spending more time in Step 3, being so stuck in our own heads about where we are or where we are not, and allowing those feelings to really take hold. This is not you. You are worthy and able of accomplishing amazing things. You are worthy of having the life you’ve always wanted. Focus on your attitude, effort, and intentionality towards your dreams, goals, and aspirations!

As with seeing any goal through, focus on the daily consistencies, not so much on how fast you can get from A-Z as I mentioned. The little wins and continued focus on the bigger picture will keep you pushing through during the times where you may feel discouraged. Play the long game. Stay focused, stay committed, and let your hard work compound before your eyes.