In this post, I want to share with you a simple tactic that you can use to reach your goals.
We’ve all had moments where we set out to achieve a goal, be it a new year’s resolutions to lose weight or even get a new job. Yet, it seems like we are always trying to start from the beginning, we are always making a promise to ourselves to make a change and take action. Somewhere along the way we failed in reaching our goals.
Something always comes up along the way and stops us from taking the steps necessary to achieve our goals. We may be trying to lose weight and decide to start going for runs around the block every morning but then one day, it may rain, preventing us from going for a run. We decide to give running a miss on that day and before you know it, you have stopped running altogether.
We make plans again but fall into the same trap every time. Things beyond our control always ruin our plans.
We need to realise that things will always pop up and interfere with our schedules. There will never be a perfect scenario every single time we wish to do something important. We need to accept this as a part of life and instead, develop a system to deal with these distractions and move on.
CEOs, professional athletes and top performers all go through the same distractions and disruptions on a day to day basis as you and I do. The difference is that they don’t let it get in their way and stop them from performing at a top level.
They accept it as a part of life and move on without losing sight of the bigger picture. Top performers have an overall life plan, are extremely flexible and have the ability to turn stressful events into opportunities. Any disruption caused by a single stressful event is turned into an opportunity and ultimately, success.
You too can do the same. I want to share with you a system you can use to make sure that any disturbances or distractions that come in your way do not prevent you from reaching your goal. I call it the 4 Step Method to Reaching your Goals.
You Can Download This as a Free Worksheet
Click Here to Download Your Free Worksheet
Follow the 4 Step Method to Reaching Your Goals:
STEP 1: Identify Your Goals.
This is the first step. It may seem obvious, but it is important we be very specific with our goals. For example if your goal is to lose weight, be more specific and instead set a goal of losing 5 kgs in 2 months.
STEP 2: Write Down the Necessary Steps You Need to Take to Reach Your Goal.
Write down the necessary steps you need to take to reach your goal. If your goal is to lose 10 kgs, list the necessary steps you need to take to make that happen. This would include exercising regularly and eating healthy. Again, the idea is to be specific. Instead of writing “exercising regularly” write down “go for a 30-minute walk every morning before work”, or “cut down on soft drinks to only once per week”.
STEP 3: Identify Barriers.
Write down a list of possible distractions or barriers that hold you back from reaching your goal. This would include anything that stops you or gets in your way from taking the previously mentioned action from step two. Rainy weather, zero motivation, junk food at home are all examples of barriers we may have when it comes to exercising regularly. Be honest with yourself here and list down all barriers and distraction you may have.
STEP 4: Come Up With a Solution to Each Barrier.
This is the most important step. Go through your distraction list one by one and come up with a solution to each barrier. For example, you may find it difficult to go for a run when it is raining. Therefore, your solution to this problem would be to have an indoor exercise activity planned instead. You could go to the gym on those days or workout from home. The important thing is to have a plan ready BEFORE a disruption comes your way.
Click Here to Download Your Free Worksheet
Conclusion
The next time you set out to achieve a goal, make sure you implement the 4 Step Method of reaching your goals. Create a foolproof system to turn any distractions and disruptions into opportunities for success. This is what separates ordinary people with successful, top performers. Distractions get in the way of ordinary people, top performers turn distractions into opportunities.