Complete Your Goals Easier by Taking Small Steps Forward
Even a Tiny Step Forward Is Still a Step Forward
Everyday, hundreds of thousands of people set goals they promise to reach, no matter what. Yet, only a small percentage of those goals are ever met and most of the promises are abandoned, after only a few days.
One reason people give up so easily is because, to reach a goal, it takes a lot of dedication and focus to get to the finish line.
Most of the goals are barely attempted because personal sacrifice is involved. Even though they understand why - people are not willing to let of some of their favorite pleasures and pastimes.
A lot of people are not willing to do what it takes to get to where they want to go. By looking at the big picture and focusing on what they have to let go of, while working toward their goal, so many people are afraid to take the first step.
The wrong thoughts can make a destination seem like it is more than a million miles away.
That is where many more people give up on achieving their goals, while silently convincing themselves that it would not have worked out anyway, nothing ever does. When a person is not willing to do what they need to do to get to where they want to go, they allow negative thoughts to take over.
The wrong thoughts can turn into a detrimental, lifelong cycle of never getting anything accomplished.
After thinking about things for a while, it seems like it will be impossible to keep that phone for another year or to cancel those subscriptions that allow binge-watching favorite TV shows.
It's too much to give up.
Why Is It So Hard to Accomplish Goals?
We have become conditioned by the miracle of technology that has enabled us to get results, sometimes immediately. Same-day drone delivery services, instant Internet gratification, and dinner brought to my front door from any restaurant I choose have resulted in a distorted sense of expectancy.
Not only can we purchase a vehicle without getting out of bed, but we can also swipe right and find the person we will spend the rest of our life with!
We want whatever we want to appear right now or in a few minutes, sometimes we want things handed to us — even if we have made little to no effort to get it.
We can make things happen just by moving our index finger and we are slowly growing into a society filled with nothing but spoiled, impatient, bratty adults.
We live in a world that is increasingly impatient. It wasn’t long ago when it took packages a week or more to arrive. Not anymore. We have reached a point where we expect a refund and an apology if whatever we want is not right there waiting for us.
What time is it?
How Can I Accomplish More?
You may be trying to get your dream job. You may be trying to convince your boss to give you a well-earned raise or promotion. Whatever the challenge is, it is something you have to put in some work before you can get to where you want to be.
Remember, some things often take years to accomplish. It takes sacrifice, dedication and focus.
How to Save Money to Accomplish a Goal
It is easy to get lost when you look at your goal in its entirety. But, if you look at accomplishing each goal from a different perspective, it will be easier for you to get it done, every time.
Here are several ways to get you closer to your goal:
- Stop eating out every day. You can prepare your lunch at home and save $50.00 a week. $200.00 a month.
- Take the subway to work for two weeks of the month and save money on gas, parking, and maintenance.
- Do you really need all of those Premium Networks that raise your cable bill by $60.00 every month? Drop the one that is watched the least and next month drop another until you have only your favorite left. In a few months, drop that too.
- Stop wasting stuff. Make sure you use all of the toothpaste, air freshener, liquid soap, and everything else before you throw away the container. When you waste, it is the same as throwing away money.
- Put the leftover food in containers and eat it tomorrow.
- Learn to use coupons to save money. You will be amazed at what coupons can do for your wallet.
These are just a few of the simple ways you can save money to help you save toward making a big purchase. Each little bit saved will get you closer to your goal.
If you can't stand to give up that new phone or those subscriptions. Take tiny steps in other ways.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
I have known people who go on a diet on Monday, and they miss a meal and a snack. When they wake up Tuesday morning, they are surprised to see the weight is still there.
Expecting results too soon can cause discouragement and eventual failure. It is disheartening to expect something that more often than not, is not going to happen.
When a goal is broken down into small increments, it is easier to see progress and it is easier to know what progress needs to be made.
So, it will take as long as you allow it to take. You can lose five pounds in a week or in a month. You can save money for a down payment in two years or ten. The time it takes is up to you.
The time it takes has to be right for you according to what you can and will do to achieve your goals. Some people can work two jobs and take courses at the community, while some people cannot.
Set your goals and do what is right for you. You will get there, if you want to.
The Bottom Line
It is always great to have goals in life. It is even better to learn how to do something.
Focus on taking small steps forward toward your dreams. Each step you take is a victory, unto itself.
Don’t be impatient. Each small step is still a step forward.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2023 Paula Mathis
