Setting New year’s resolutions and goals can be very exciting. The thought of taking on a project and reaching the goal can be energizing, but let’s be honest, those big, shiny end goals can be kind of intimidating.
In January, gyms are full of people who are motivated to change their lives. But by February, it is reported that over 60% of members drop off and stop going to the gym.
I’m not here to discourage anyone. I think big goals are very achievable but we need to approach them differently in order to reach them.
One of the reasons we lose momentum (or sometimes don’t even start) is because we continuously compare our progress to the distant goal.
Let’s say my goal is to lose 20 pounds this year. I’ll hit the gym, but seeing results takes time. This discouragement can quickly make me question the value of going. Because the big goal of losing 20 pounds feels so far away, even small weight loss might feel like failure.
What if I adjust the goal? What if I focus on a process or habit instead? By breaking down my big goal into smaller, achievable chunks, I can create opportunities for more frequent wins.
My goal shifts from “I want to lose weight” to “I am a person who works out.” My small goal becomes: going to the gym. And every time I go, I win. This positive reinforcement motivates me to repeat the action.
Focusing on building a habit helps me take consistent action that aligns with the person I want to be. By focusing on the process, the journey becomes more manageable and sustainable.
Action: Take your big goal and break it down into manageable chunks. The more doable each chunk is, the more likely you are to complete the task.
