Being clear about what you want to achieve at the end of your efforts means:
A: your goal is small enough – so small – you can’t NOT do it.
B: it’s specific – in WHEN it happens and HOW it is done.
C: your goal is urgent – it’s something that’s appropriately aligned with where you’re at now in life, the stuff that matters to you TODAY (not this quarter, or even next month).
D: your goal is emotionally hooked into your heart – it’s something you care deeply about right now.
Does your goal fit in all 4 criteria above?
If not, take some time to make it fit.
A: Don’t be afraid to break a bigger goal into chunks that can fit in a 5min slot. If you do – you’re more likely to show up until it becomes the norm.
Else – you’ll be waiting for the “right time” again…
B: Define it so clearly that your 3 year old self would have no way to misinterpret what you mean.
If you don’t – you’re likely to put it off until you “have the time to figure it out more thoroughly“. Something more important will always make its way in… you know i’m right – right?
Also worth stating your goal as if it’s already a reality: every day after brushing my teeth, I fill up my 2ltr bottle of water and drink it throughout the day to keep myself hydrated and healthy.
C: This one’s easy to tell. Don’t set a goal to run a marathon, if the only running you’ve done to date, is the bath water you prepped for yourself last night. Choose a 5min-run-each-day type goal, show up long enough to make it to 20min. Then see if marathoning is even a thing for you still :o)
Yes I can see your cogs ticking.
And no – you will not be a stagnant failure because you didn’t shoot for the moon.