How are you doing on your goals for 2021? Typically, this time of year, those goals and resolutions you made in earnest in January start to fade away. Think about how the gym typically looks (when you could go to the gym) in January and how it looks in February.
But we’re here to help you stick with those goals, whether they are personal or career-focused. The key strategy is simple: keep them visible.
Have a visual cue.
You want a visual reminder every day of what your goals are. When something is in our field of view, you unconsciously stay connected to them, and this can help you make micro-decisions to keep you on track. For example, if you are trying to save up for a vacation home, put up a photo on your bulletin board. If you want to become a Chief Technology Officer, write it down and display it somewhere.
Set up recurring reminders to keep your resolutions front of mind.
Use your task manager, a calendar, or an alarm to remind you of your goals regularly. The task could be to review them or use it to block out time in your day to work towards achieving them.
Use a whiteboard.
The whiteboard can be used as a mind map to plot out ways to achieve those goals or use it as a visual reminder. Write down all the action steps needed, break them up by short term or long term goals, or use it to write down motivational quotes to keep you motivated.
Turn your device into your goal board.
We know that photo of your kids or pet is a lovely welcome to start your day when you open your laptop. But what about creating a background with your goals on it? By doing so, you’re making a constant reminder of what it is you’ve set out to achieve. You don’t have to be a graphic designer or use photoshop to put it together. Use Canva or PicMonkey, which are free drag-and-drop design tools.
Install Momentum for your browser. Replace a new tab with a personal dashboard featuring to-do, weather, and inspiration. It starts with the questions: “What’s your main focus today?” It’s a great reminder for when you may begin to lose focus to draw you back in.
Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
Repetition can solidify your goals in your mind and in your life. Rewrite your goals or read them as a part of your morning routine. You become 42% more likely to achieve your goals and dreams simply by writing them down regularly. This exercise allows you to reflect on where you are and what action steps are needed to move closer to where you want to be.
Now it’s time to take action. Start by choosing one of these visual tips and implement it as a part of your daily routine. The results will keep you on track not just for January but throughout the year.
