When we’re just starting out, it’s tempting to treat goal setting as an all-or-nothing mentality, where the goal of standing out, establishing a great reputation, and being recognized as successful are the daily focuses of our lives.

Over time, we may come to realize that big goals are, in many ways, like onions, with multiple layers contributing to the finished product, each of which needs to be nurtured and developed. It is important to allow time for them to grow and be recognized as separate components, with the layers eventually coming together to achieve the final result.

We may spend time promoting ourselves on social media, updating our accounts, filling out our journal, doing some yoga practice, going online to a special class, but it is only when our goals are absorbed into our way of life and become in a second nature. , a habit, that become an automatic part of our functioning, coming together to make an integral quality of life.

By making your goals a habit, you live each day to the fullest, enjoy what you do, and are less distracted by how far along you are on your path to success. Just keep going, working your master plan toward the big picture, while incorporating positive practices into your daily life.

You may have identified steps, actions, and decisions that need to be made every day to achieve your goal. For example, advancing the growth of your business may require making a specific number of contacts on a regular basis, losing weight may include daily choices about exercise and what to eat, running a marathon may mean covering a certain distance each week. Do something big or small that becomes part of your regular mindset and commitment.

Even on relatively slow days or those times when other things take precedence, it’s important to do some acknowledgment of your ultimate focus. That way, your actions will gradually become a habit. Remember your goals by keeping them in view on a vision board, on your screen saver, or by writing them on the front of your journal or journal, so you connect with them regularly, either consciously or unconsciously. Make sure they are always with you.

You may have singled out big goals as the focus of your efforts, but habits are gained through regular and reasonably comfortable engagement, rather than being so big that you risk feeling overwhelmed or forced to park other areas of your mind. your life. Doing something that is straightforward and relatively easy to include is more likely to become a habit and ultimately result in success.

That’s why it’s best to break big goals down into smaller, bite-sized chunks that don’t require much thought or can be organized ahead of time. Otherwise, on busy and stressful days, all your good intentions are at risk of being sidelined as you adopt easier and more familiar habit patterns, or reject them when dealing with urgent matters that require your full attention.

Some people find that making lists is a positive way to introduce a new habit, breaking down a larger goal into achievable actions each day. Setting a timer can help you manage how much time to spend on each task, so that you ensure there is real focus on the task at hand, while also avoiding being too engrossed in any one piece of work.

It’s good to cultivate the habit of accomplishing something, no matter how small, every day. That mindset is proactive, motivating, and encourages you to intermittently review your plans, raise the bar, and move forward. Even a quick phone call or email can be enough to make progress.

When that perspective has become a habit, there is an enthusiastic focus on what can be achieved each day; something small on busy days, taking bigger steps when there is time and energy available.

Accountability is often important, having someone you check in with regularly, who wants to know what you’ve done, where you are, what the likely outcome might be. Scheduling an appointment when you have to explain yourself is incredibly motivating; something that is all too obvious in the days before the slimming class has a weigh-in!

But a coach or mentor can also help troubleshoot any issues, guide or guide you through the options available, help you refocus after a setback. Someone who is on your side, who is with you during your struggles, who understands what you are going through can make a big difference in your motivation levels.

Making your goals a habit goes a long way to your success, but don’t get too tied down by them. Allow yourself to enjoy the ride and maybe even appreciate the occasional detour along the way. After all, once you reach your destination, you may not know what to do next or you may just feel inspired to start over and set new goals.

Sometimes it’s exciting not to be too rigid in pursuing your initial goals. It can be satisfying to explore new opportunities and follow where they lead. Unexpected adventures can be a reward in themselves. Take the time to value each experience that comes along as you go. Then your goal-driven mindset will become a habit, as well as a stimulating and enjoyable contributor to your way of thinking.