We start to feel stressed when we feel as if we are losing control of ourselves, a situation, our lives. Setting and achieving goals is not only very good for your self-esteem, it also helps us feel in control again. Goal setting is a very effective stress management strategy.
Goal setting involve deciding what short term and long term goals you want to achieve. You then break down these goals into smaller and manageable targets that you can easily realise. Setting clearly defined short term and long term goals will enable you to measure your progress and significantly reduce your stress levels while successfully meeting your goals.
Charting your progress will eliminate the feeling of a long and pointless grind and avoids the build-up of stress. Your self-confidence and level of competence will also increase as you will become more aware of your capabilities as you gradually realise your goals.
Setting goals is only the beginning, we have to follow up with well-planned action. We find it easy to plan, prepare and dream about the day when our goals come to fruition but it is not so easy to actually take focused, consistent action.
If your goals require you to have a certain kind of degree or specialization or demand a certain skill to be developed, make plans to get the appropriate education.
Inactivity and procrastination are usually nothing more than bad habits. Turning those habits into something more positive and productive is as simple as making up your mind to do it and then taking it a day at a time. The more committed and determined you are to making your goal happen, the more likely it is that you will.
You have to make sure that every goal you set is of VITAL importance to you. This can be tricky because we so often fool ourselves into thinking we want one thing when we want something entirely different. Ask yourself if your goal is worth the effort and sacrifice that will be needed to achieve it. If you can honestly answer yes, then you are on the right path!
Each day, renew your commitment to your goals. It’s easy to be committed when your goal is new and your motivation is high, but you need to be able to STAY committed! Each day when you awaken, re-read your goals, and stress again how vitally important they are to you.
When it comes right down to it, no one can achieve your goals for you. If you want to achieve them, you’ll have to find the determination necessary to keep going.
Dr Margarethe de Clermont is the author of a popular e-book about easy and effective ways to deal with stress, the FREE report “How does Stress affect your health?” and runs a successful online stress management consultancy. Find out more at Relax-and-Rejuvenate.com
