Index

Previous        Next When it comes to achieving a desired goal, many people fail before they even start. Their mindset defeats them.

Specifically, when they want to make changes or achieve a goal, they attempt too much. If they want to lose weight, they go on a strict diet and exercise program. If they want to undertake a project, whether it's a gardening project or business idea, they focus on the whole project at once.

However, most of the time, these plans are likely to fail. We are not designed to change everything at one time. Sure, we may be able to do it for a short time period but not over a long period especially when the changes or the work is difficult. People will tend to focus on the end result and think about all the work it will require. They become overwhelmed. Eventually, they quit.

Such a mindset may be related to the inability to delay gratification. Frequently, people want something now. They value only the end result and not the process of achieving it.

However, those who are more likely to achieve their goals focus on what they need to do today, not on what tomorrow involves. They recognize they will be ready for tomorrow if they do what is necessary today.

And today isn't the entire project. Today can be doing one small thing. It is best to design changes or goals based on what will actually work. Doing one thing, no matter how seemingly insignificant, will help you to achieve your goals.

When we value doing one small thing towards our goals we create a more positive focus which allows us to believe in the possibility of doing other things. By changing the reward from the end result to achieving each small goal, we create a different concept of gratification. Instead of saying to ourselves “That's not enough!” we can say “Good job! That's one more step towards my goal.”