3 Tricks for Staying Focused on Your 2022 Goals

SUPERCHARGE YOUR POTENTIAL

Now the holidays are behind us, it's time to get back into a routine and set our sights on all the shiny New Year goals we’ve set for ourselves.

That being said, it’s no secret that trying to focus on your goals can be like staring at a blank wall—the harder you try, the more difficult it becomes… Especially if you’ve set the bar high or are looking to implement serious change in your lifestyle, mindset or outlook.

Whether the goals you’d like to achieve are centered around work, finance, personal development, health or relationships; sometimes we can use a bit of a push to stay on track.

Fortunately, there are 3 tricks you can use to summon a laser-like focus within yourself and charge toward your goals this year. Let’s get right into it:


3. MEET WHAT REALLY MOTIVATES YOU

No two people are created equal, so it’s crucial to understand that different personality types respond better to different motivators.

While some of us can find that spark by listening to a motivational speaker deliver an inspiring speech… Others need a more direct approach to get the kick in the pants they need!

If one of these motivation tactics doesn’t get the ball rolling for you, work your way down the list until you simply can’t ignore the pursuit of your goal...

   REWARD-BASED MOTIVATION:

Who doesn’t love a good incentive? This psychological hack is the simplest, yet sneakiest work-around for stagnant motion. By promising yourself a treat in return for meeting an objective, many people find the concentration they need to complete the task at hand.

 Try dangling an enticing carrot behind your deadline and notice how effortless the process can suddenly become!

   achievement-BASED MOTIVATION:

Leveling up skills and unlocking achievements in your life serve as great motivators, and can really kickstart your drive. Often called “gamifying” a task, this type of motivation turns everyday jobs into a game, which gives you boosts of dopamine as you check off promotions and earn recognition.

  In turn, this dopamine push increases your focus, creativity, alertness, concentration, and long-term memory - which results in an easier grind toward your goals!

   fear-BASED MOTIVATION:

The most aggressive motivator, this one really lights a rocket under your butt (but should be a last resort if possible!). If you can’t find any momentum for the hard work you’ve got on your plate, sure up your drive by stirring a little healthy fear in yourself.

  This could come about by imagining the repercussions of not getting started, your impact on others if you let them down, or the personal disappointment of not achieving what you set out to do. 

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2. NIP NEGATIVITY IN THE BUD

We all know about quieting distractions in our outside environment, but what if those distractions are coming from within? Self-inflicted negativities can spring up in the form of self-doubt, negative self-talk and feelings of defeat… And they’re more crippling than any single thing the outside world can throw at us.

The only way to get around these ho-hum thought processes that kill our drive is to address them head-on. Naturally, it’s impossible to avoid frustration, fears and doubts completely - they’re part of what makes us human, after all. Plus, we wouldn't really want to live without them as they’re necessary to help us with critical decision making.

Try these strategies to steer your focus back to positive forward motion...

   QUESTION THE NARRATIVE:

As you work toward your goals, don’t shy away from any single emotion that pops up. It's important to look at each roadblock subjectively, shine a light on their validity, and see if the story you’re telling yourself is entirely accurate.

  Avoid taking too much advice from well-meaning others who tell you to "just think positive"; In order to triumph over feelings of stagnant motivation or beginner's paralysis, you need to give these feelings proper airtime and unravel their mysterious origins.

   REVERSE THE MOMENTUM:

If you're swamped by defeating thoughts, consider the concept of a runaway train hurtling down the tracks in the wrong direction: You can't possibly get it to go in the opposite direction until you slow down its forward motion.

  A great way to apply this analogy to your mind's inner workings is by first slowing down the negative spiral. You can do this by remembering some of your past achievements, or by doing some activities you're good at that make you feel capable, confident and proud.

1. LIMIT YOUR FOCUS 

High achievers are no strangers to multi-tasking... But when you're embarking on a journey toward a new goal, it can take some practice to get your mindset in the game.

   QUIT MULTI-TASKING:

Taking on too many new objectives or doing too much at once can push your most important priorities to the backburner, so be firm in your desires so you can stay the course without distraction.

 Remember to begin from exactly where you are - limit your focus to singular tasks so you can give them your undivided attention till you get the hang of juggling multiple goals.

Essentially, our ability to focus is rooted in the strength of our desire to launch toward our goals. The stronger your feelings toward achieving success are, the easier your journey will be.

But daily life, stress and feelings of defeat before we've even begun can all get in the way... So, if you're struggling to stay focused on what you need to do to become the person you wish to this year - try these 3 clever strategies on for size.

You've got this!

Fefe | Greens Steel Lifestyle Contributor
Sheffield, UK

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