get over yourself: set a goal

Getting over yourself takes action. Of course, this is easier said than done. Today, I’m going to share a simple three-step process that will help you get more done than you ever thought possible.

Define the goal

“Every person’s life depends on the process of choosing goals to pursue; if you remain passive, you are not going to thrive as a human being.” (Locke, 2019)
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It all starts with a goal. You have to know what it is that you want to accomplish. If you don’t know what your goal is, then it’s hard to prioritize on what you should be doing now to move towards action. So, what do we do instead? Basically, we procrastinate.

It’s important to remember that goal setting is based on commitment. Your goal is merely to place what needs to get done into written words. By goal setting, you increase your motivation since you establish a mindset of desiring an attainable goal. The goal moves from dream to reality. It becomes tangible.

By reaching this goal, you achieve a level of success. To write your goal, answer this question first– How committed are you to make a change? If your goal lacks clarity, will you be able to carry it out? Not likely.

Research shows that an achievable goal leads to greater work satisfaction and motivation. Firstly, a goal is attainable based on your own skillset. For example, if I am good at organizing, I can use this strength to carry out my goal. Secondly, a goal can also challenge you to improve your skills because you are motivated to achieve it. This type of achievable goal is measurable and has a set deadline.

Goals don’t have to be overly complicated. Here’s a simple goal we all strive to accomplish. We have to file our taxes this year by July 15th. The deadline was moved because of the COVID-19 national emergency. You certainly have a good idea of what forms will be needed, paperwork, and receipts. So, you gather them up as a step to achieve this goal and you download the software needed. In other words, when you have a well-defined goal like filing your income taxes on time then you create action.

2. Write it down.

It doesn’t matter if you write it down on a stickie, a bullet journal, or type a note on your phone. The important part putting your goal in writing. Firstly, it helps you clarify what your goal is. You need to be specific when you try to put what you truly want into writing. Secondly, writing it down serves as a reminder and as a tool that you can use to stop you from procrastination.

Complex goals that lie out of your skill level may overwhelm you. Making simple goals that rely on what you are good at and challenge you just slightly will drive you towards success. Sometimes, “I will try to do my best” won’t be good enough; it is too ambiguous and shows lack of motivation. However, complex goals that are achievable because of their clarity and your improved skillset can help you reach success.

3. Get started

Last but not least, it’s time to get started. That’s often the hardest part, isn’t it? You’re tempted to skip your workout until you lace up your shoes and get started. Once you’re off and running, it’s much easier to keep going. Once you have your goal written down, think about something you can do right now to move you in the right direction.

I happened to do just that.

The goal-setting plan

I planned to set up a morning routine so I can get out the door and to work by 7:30 am. I can measure the time it takes for me to fulfill this routine. (Right now, it is taking me forever, but this is the subject of another blog post). I wrote down that I wanted to achieve it by next week. I’ve already taken action by reading the routines of other bloggers, mainly those involving celebrities, famous CEOs, and bloggers in quarantine. Each morning, I will start looking at my goal and challenge myself to carry through the steps required to achieve it. Before you know it, I will have made some serious progress.