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Today, this one is truly bite-sized so we can cut to the chase.
Let's set straight THREE goal-setting myths and the solution to these conundrums.
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# 1
Writing a goal down and putting it on display means you're more likely to achieve it.
Truth: seeing something every single day causes your brain to block it out to save energy. So you're making it less likely to think about the goal.
(Who can actually remember their last commute to work properly?)
Solution: Rewrite your goal every single morning and display it somewhere new. Your desk, your fridge, your bathroom. Bonus points for using different coloured sticky notes.
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#2
Telling everyone about your goal will hold you accountable for it
Truth: the positive reinforcement you get from telling people can satisfy your need for dopamine, making it less likely you'll actually achieve your goal
Solution: Don't tell people until you've actually started working towards your goal, and you actively have steps in place to achieve it.
This changes the conversation from "I want to run a half marathon", to I'm training 3 times a week towards a half marathon"
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#3
You'll be able to sustain your initial motivation throughout the duration of working for the goal.
Truth: people are the most motivated when setting their goals, and then something called the 'middle problem' comes up. This is a lack of interest and effort around the middle of the goal achievement (both for the duration of the entire goal AND for the middle of the smaller segments of the things you have to do to achieve it).
For example, you might LOVE Monday & Friday sessions, but going to the gym on a Wednesday is a drag.
Solution: Positive visualisation, caffeine use and timing and occasional rewards for completing the 'middle' session or 'middle' effort. These all help ramp up motivation when it's needed.
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