Why do you set goals? I think the reason anyone wants anything in life is because we think we'll feel better in the having of it. But why do we feel better in the having of it? I think it has much more to do with the person we become by achieving the goal, rather than the actual reward. I believe that's where the true joy of achieving goals comes from...
Anyone can set a goal. Achieving a goal takes work. It takes commitment and discipline.
I'm going to talk about physical goals here, because many of my readers are embarking on the Whole30 and setting physical goals...
Recently, one of the creators of the Whole30 Program, Melissa Hartwig, posted a very inspirational explanation why their shirts say "I Am Whole30" instead of "I'm doing the Whole30" or "I finished the Whole30". It's based on the psychology of change and habit. She doesn't want you to just DO the Whole30 (start eating healthier). She wants you to BE Whole30 (BE a healthy eater). She explains that the stronger you can self-identify in this way, the more likely you are to hold to your new desired behaviors. Let it become part of who you are. Give yourself opportunities to have small wins. Go out to eat and BE Whole30. Be faced with temptation and BE Whole30. She says this sends a FAR stronger message from you to you, and you may be surprised at the power of this daily affirmation.
This way of thinking can apply to many goals you set. Anytime you're trying to create a new habit, 1) build it into your identity and 2) give yourself opportunities to prove that this is who you are. I love this concept. I'm going to enjoy my shirt even more now... because I AM Whole30.
I'm incorporating this concept into my goal of living by my budget. Instead of having a budget, I AM my budget. I'm excited that by making it part of my identity, it's become part of who I am... and therefore I feel proud to work toward my financial goals.
Setting goals is one of the most important things you can do. It's done so much for me. Not just to get something...but to become someone you're proud to be. :)
To learn more, read my other posts and get excited to set goals! Become the someone you're supposed to be!
How to Set Goals in 5 Simple Steps