As you may have realized from previous posts, I am a very goal oriented person. I have athletic goals, career goals, and goals intended to make me a happier more fulfilled person. However, even for me, one of the most difficult parts of goal achievement is getting started on a new goal. It’s easy enough to dream and plan, but many people get stuck in this phase indefinitely (especially the dreaming) and avoid taking action.
Plan, dream and take action
Planning and dreaming might make you feel like you’re doing something about your goals (and it is an important part of setting goals), but if you never actually take a step forward your goals won’t be realized. In order to see measurable progress, you have to step out of your comfort zone and take action.
Be consistent
When you finally gather your courage, gumption or whatever it is that you need to move forward, you may realize that those first steps are harder than you thought they would be. It may even feel like you’re fighting a daily battle to stay motivated. Avoid panicking, you are just doing something new that you are just not used to, and your body, mind and spirit all need to adjust to it.
Avoid quitting too soon
It’s during this difficult phase that many people give up. They decide that “it isn’t meant to be” right now, it’s not that important, or it’s ALWAYS going to be this hard and they set their dream aside and vow to try again later. Or worse, they resign themselves to a life full of lost dreams.
Use your momentum to move forward
You see, the difficult phase I just described is what happens at the beginning when you’re trying to gain momentum. However, every effort that you put toward the achievement of your goals will build on the previous efforts. With every step forward the process gets easier and easier until finally, you’ve put so much energy and effort into the process that momentum begins to take over and you don’t have to push so hard to keep moving forward. It becomes fun . . . even easy at times.
Avoid slowing down your momentum
The reason why momentum can be delayed sometimes is because many people take very tentative steps toward their goals. They’re afraid to really give it their all, so they hold back much of the energy and power they could be devoting toward their goal. Even if they’re not aware of it, they may feel more comfortable working at a slower pace, so they avoid taking big risks and instead take baby steps.
There is nothing wrong with this approach if it works you. However, if you want to make faster progress and build momentum quickly, think about taking bigger steps and giving your full energy and focus toward making it happen. By doing so, you’ll push through the difficult beginning and find yourself sailing along before you know it.
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Hi, My name is Lisa. I am a mother, girlfriend, blogger, runner and happiness seeker.
I started blogging in March 2010 as a way for me to grow and help others by sharing what I learned.
My personal development journey began about 15 years ago.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Good advice Lisa! As a fellow runner, one who has “fallen off the running wagon” a few times, I have found that consistency is the key to success — both in running and in life! This has been a good reminder for me to never give up and be consistent as I work toward my goals.
Hi Heather. Thanks for stopping by. Well said! Consistency, persistence and patience will get you where you want to go. I needed this reminder at this time too. :-) Do you plan to get back on the running wagon?
When I read this, I related it to my writing. It’s not a new task I’ve taken up, but it’s one that just recently I’ve realized I have to put much more of myself into. Seriously, thank you for the inspiring post!
I read on a comment you posted on The Skool of Life blog that you are starting an online business. What will the business be about? I’m curious. :)
Hi Lauren, thanks for stopping by. The Skool of Life is a great blog. The power of momentum can be used to achieve any goal that you desire. And the thing is that the more momentum you build up, the easier it gets. Take for instance, this blog. When I first started, It would take what felt like forever to put an article together. Now that I have the momentum of writing behind me, I am able to create more powerful articles more efficiently. You’re welcome. I am glad you found the article interesting.
Yes, I have heard several stories of people making a living from online businesses and I want to become one of them. My plan is to eventually make $$ from this blog and another one that I will be setting up shortly that reviews products and hosts contests for giveaways. An example of what I am talking about can be found here: http://makobiscribe.com/.
Thanks for your interested. :-)
Indeed, momentum is a big one, Lisa. We must learn to see life unfolding at the level of events – Alfred Adler, colleague of Sigmund Freud, spent his life studying the mind and body. He came to the following conclusion: “Trust only movement. Life happens at the level of events, not of words. Trust movement.” I can trust my movement when my responses to life are clear and precise. Truth like this is the source of all good things. The more we move, the more we move, and the easier it gets. And the easier it gets, the easier it gets!
Hi Rob,
Thank for stopping by. Well said. I really like the way you put down your thoughts on momentum; especially “The more we move, the more we move, and the easier it gets. And the easier it gets, the easier it gets!” Let’s keep on moving. :-)