Link to the standards to be considered for employment w/The Secret Service. It's fitting for us all as we start our New Year.How do you stick to a goal? Most people will be into data (stats), physics/spiritual (i.e. The Secret), or social.
Precursor: Healthy self-esteem is accepting yourself exactly the way you are, and knowing that everything is already perfect, just the way it is, right now. Nothing needs to "change". Improvement though, is beneficial, as we're all evolving. (Regarding "change", the only thing that ever needs to coalesce, is alignment: inside/outside match.)
Step 1 | Know what you really really really really really want, inside, and that is in alignment with who you are, at all levels.
Step 2 | Pick a goal that is reasonable. Not too hard, not too easy.
Step 3 | Accurately assess your strengths and weaknesses (i.e. SWOT analysis)
Step 4 | Prepare/shore-up. Get that which you'll need to be successful, including app, people, clothes, visual reminders, etc.
Step 5 | Get yourself an "accountability partner". It can be anyone who will hold you accountable in a loving way (even tough love; but never abusive). Some people are self-motivated, and an app or calendar they can see every day tracking their progress works for them.
Step 6 | Plan a reward, for (a) each milestone (i.e. weekly). Also plan (b) rewards every month, (c) and at the end, when you've accomplished.
DO NOT reward yourself before you've achieved what you need to. Early rewards are psychologically proven to provide a dopamine release and in general removes the feeling that is creating "drive" in the first place.
NOTE: If you're a person that has failed in the past, it's okay. Build "failure" into your routine, so that you can keep going past failure. AND, hire an expert, to work with you on why you failed before, and what you can do for it to be a thing of the past.
Step 7 | Make your end-goal permanent. Period.
Raised as an athlete and on a state-winning team, we had periods of training, and recovery. It created a dynamic where I'd push myself to win, no matter what. There was a fall-out. In my thirties, I had to start learning balance and longevity. It's a very different style. It's basically little choices daily, that are fixed, and routine. It's a pattern, which keeps me healthy, and on track, at all times. This, is not the right style for all personality types, but it's a general philosophy that we are what we repeatedly do, and that the Tortoise WON over the Hare. Small things are also easier. While we may want bigger results, smaller results are actually sustainable, and more healthy.
FINALLY: Make a commitment to yourself that all people who are naysayers, or try to cut your down from what you want; our subconscious mind hears everything. They're projecting their own failures and insecurity on you. Make a decision to NEVER hear them, NEVER accept them, set a boundary with them, or say goodbye to them. Life is too short.
Much heart, N
