Most of the world sets goals and makes resolutions around the new year, however it’s estimated that only 8% of people actually stick to those resolutions. While it’s entirely possible that many people are being unrealistic with their goals, there is one simple trick that will help you reach your goals regardless of what they are. Write them down.
Define your goals, priorities, and tasks:
The first part of the simple trick that will help you reach your goals is to actually define what you want to accomplish and achieve. Do a self-assessment and figure out your priorities and tasks are, then build from there.
This can be short or long term, but the idea is to figure out where you want to be (the end result) and how you will get there. Make an outline or a to-do list so you can clearly see what’s on your plate. Once you have figured out what you need to accomplish and how to prioritize each task, you can actually get started on accomplishing it. You can also use applications like Trello to keep organized and keep others up to date on your progress. Telling others about your goals also helps to keep you accountable! (In a 2013 research study published in Translational Behavioral Medicine, participants who published their weight loss progress on Twitter lost more weight than those who kept their progress to themselves.)
Why this works:
Research suggests that you become 42% more likely to achieve your goals and dreams, simply by writing them down. This is because writing goals and dreams down holds you accountable, and also creates a physical reminder of what you’re working towards. Physically writing your goals down forces both sides of your brain to work together, stimulating a more powerful response and a greater ambition to meet those goals.
Be realistic:
Writing things down is the simple trick that will help you reach your goals, however it’s important to note that reality comes into place here. If your goal is completely unrealistic in terms of logistics or science, it likely won’t pan out. Set a specific goal that is challenging, but still attainable. Science suggests that using these two factors when goal setting leads to higher performance 90% of the time.
For example, it’s unlikely that you will be able to leave your job and start a new job within the next month, however setting a goal of sending in three really good job applications per week, with the result of leaving your current job and starting a new job within the next six months is very achievable.
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Ultimately, you are the only thing holding you back. The simple trick that will help you reach your goals is as easy as writing them down. This helps to hold yourself accountable and provides a physical reminder of what you’re working towards.