Goal Mastery: Practical Tips for Success
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As an entrepreneur coach, I know how tough it can be to set and reach goals in today’s fast-paced world. That’s why I’ve put together this easy-to-follow guide to help you stay on track. Whether you’re aiming to grow your business, get more done, or just be better at what you do, these five tips will help you stay focused and get where you want to go.
First, let’s talk about the reasons why it is super easy to get sidetracked and distracted. This is important because as humans, we have this nasty habit of beating up on ourselves and avoiding the things we need to do because it is a painful reminder of our past mistakes.
The science behind our procrastination or avoidance
The dance of your amygdala and dopamine
Our brains are super amazing! (Well, at least I think so.)
We have built-in protection to help keep ourselves safe and secure. You see, there is a part of our brain called the amygdala that springs into action based on hormonal reactions triggered by things we smell, hear, see, touch, or taste. And if we have a positive reaction to something, we release that feel-good hormone called dopamine. When we encounter something rewarding or pleasurable, like winning a game or eating something delicious, the amygdala helps process these emotions and reinforces the behavior by releasing dopamine.
And if we are facing something scary – that’s NO BUENO. That is why our default response is to avoid, deny, suppress, or flat-out neglect the source of our discomfort. This plan of action worked great for our ancestral hunters and gatherers who had to routinely run away from woolly mammoths and wild creatures in the wild. Not so much today.
Activate your higher reasoning skills
But there is good news. If we pause and work through our higher reasoning part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex, it will say, “Hey there, buddy! This is good for us.” We won’t run. But just like lifting weights to gain muscle mass, it takes lots of repetition to fall into a new routine of slowing down and thinking.
So, this is all to say that the desire to avoid, procrastinate, or even minimize the seriousness of your issue is natural, but it isn’t helpful. Next, I want to share with you five tips to get yourself back into gear and focusing on accomplishing your goals.
When don't have a track record of success, our brains make discouraging statements to get us back "on track" with the familiar and routine. Unfortunately, that mindset does little to help us achieve any of our goals. Sometimes, we need to tell ourselves "thank you" for keeping us safe, but we need to keep moving forward so that we can do and be better.
Tip # 1: Why Knowing Your Goals Inside and Out is Important:
It’s all about understanding why your goals matter to you. Instead of doing something just because others expect it or because you’re afraid of failing, think about what truly matters to you. For example, if you want to get healthier, focus on feeling good and being able to do more with your loved ones, rather than just looking good for others.
Research shows that when you’re doing something because it really matters to you, you’re more likely to stick with it and feel good about it in the end.
Tip # 2: Spot the Things that Hold You Back:
We all have things that trip us up on the road to success. Sometimes it’s our own doubts and worries, and other times it’s the people or situations around us. Let’s delve deeper into what that looks like when we are critical of ourselves or have negative Nancys or Neds around us.
Our Critical Inner Voice
We all have a little voice in our head that tells us from time to time that we are not “good enough.” It’s natural for us to want to shy away from the unknown or unfamiliar.
When we don’t have a track record of success, our brains make discouraging statements to get us back “on track” with the familiar and routine. Unfortunately, that mindset does little to help us achieve any of our goals. Sometimes, we need to tell ourselves “thank you” for keeping us safe, but we need to keep moving forward so that we can do and be better.
Our Critical Friends and Family
This is super hard because often times, our friends, family, and associates actually mean well by us. Unfortunately, many of us have not been trained to be mindful and intentional with the words that come out of their mouths. To make matters worse we may have people who are envious of our success.
Often times, when you are feeling fearful, they project back the same energy of anxiety and worry. This is often the case when you tell them about something to which they lack experience and wisdom. This is when you actually need the blessing of “shut mouth grace,” meaning that you are careful about who you tell your plans and agenda to. Sometimes, your big dreams aren’t consumable for small-thinking people.
Next, let’s talk about the impact of understanding how our distractions cost us time and money.
Tip # 3: Understanding the Impact of Distractions:
Distractions are like sneaky little thieves that steal your time and energy. Moreover, studies have shown that distractions can mess with your brain and make it harder to get things done.
And to make it even worse, we try to find ourselves rationalizing or blaming others when in reality we wasted our time. Now is the time for radical self-ownership. I want you to actually write down how the distraction is wasting your time/money value. For example, if you make $150 per hour but find yourself spending two hours a day looking at Instagram, you just flushed $300 down the drain.
So, it’s important to recognize when you’re getting off track and find ways to stay focused on what really matters. If you need to get an app to block yourself from accessing certain things or write in a journal, noting down how many times you engage in time-sucking activities. It might surprise you how that little pastime is actually a time vampire.
Not all of our dreams will manifest, but your luck will certainly change for the better once you set an intention, stay positive, and keep pushing towards your goals.
Tip #4: Finding Friends Who Have Your Back:
Having people who support you and share your goals can make all the difference. This doesn’t just reduce our stress levels but also improves our work-life balance. When you surround yourself with folks who are on the same page as you, it’s easier to stay motivated and keep going, even when things get tough.
For instance, joining a group of fellow business owners or finding a buddy to work out with can give you the encouragement and accountability you need to stay on course. Also, hiring a coach like myself is essential when you are trying to grow and scale up your organization.
There is nothing like someone sending you thoughtful comments that are helpful and actionable based on what you are going through. This is so critical, especially during times of rapid change and transition. Remember, successful leaders like yourself don’t develop in a vacuum. They have people who help them grow and achieve. One example is Taylor Swift’s publicist Tree Paine. We all need people who help and motivate us at every step of the way.
Tip #5: Celebrating Every Step Torward Your Goal:
Finally, don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for all the progress you make along the way. You are doing something new and different which not only challenges your mind but also impresses others who are watching you from the sidelines. Whether it’s hitting a big milestone or just making it through a tough day, every little win counts.
Get those good vibes flowing by recording those moments of success. Take pictures, write things down, or do whatever helps you remember how far you’ve come.
Remember, we all have peaks and valleys along the road towards success. Having those moments to reflect back on can help you push through the rough times. Also, science supports this idea. Research has shown that celebrating your successes, no matter how small, can keep you motivated and help you stay focused on your goals.
The image below summarizes my tips. Next, I will share my final thoughts.
Final thoughts
So, there you have it – a roadmap to help you reach your goals and make your dreams a reality. By focusing on what truly matters to you, identifying and overcoming obstacles, staying focused, finding supportive friends, and celebrating your progress, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Not all of our dreams will manifest, but your luck will certainly change for the better once you set an intention, stay positive, and keep pushing towards your goals.
And if you ever need a helping hand along the way, I’m here for you. Let’s work together to make your goals a reality. Oh, and don’t forget to tune in to this episode from my podcast for even more tips and inspiration!
