Getting back on track
It can be difficult staying consistent with routines to achieve your goals. As we know, life happens, which leads to activities derailing us from our focused habits. Sure, getting started on a goal can be difficult, but getting back on track is sometimes a bigger struggle. Although we fall of our routines, the activities distracting us should not be anchored excuses to give up.
If you’re like me, starting over with a goal is full of different emotions. It is very frustrating to have all the head knowledge you need to get back on track, but the drive and motivation has taken a turn. The good new is, that’s ok. We’ve all been there.
We’ve all felt those different emotions when stopping our goal habits, and below are a few new tips to help kickstart those routines once again.
1. One Set Back Does Not Mean Give Up.
Remember when you took that difficult test in school, and you knew you answered multiple questions incorrectly? You knew it would lead to a low grade, but guess what? You kept going and finished the test anyway. Like this situation, this a great approach we should take when working on our goals. If you go four weeks with consistent exercise and nutrition, and then “mess up” one weekend, that doesn’t mean you should give up entirely. Instead, reflect on the positives from the weekend and get back to work.
2. Here I Go Again.
Like self-deprecating thoughts, one could also think negatively by recapping old failures. A great example is people who have yo-yoed in their dieting, meaning they’ve lost weight just to gain it back. The biggest problem with this is a lack of confidence in sustaining a new habit. To start, be kind to yourself when you have a set-back and strive to get back to work anyway. Just because you failed at something before doesn’t mean you’ll fail at it again. Believe in yourself to start a business even if some of them failed in the past. Go for that body, even if you didn’t make it before. Try for that new certification or degree even if you dropped out before. If it’s your desire and goal, go for it. You are not your past failures; you are your future dreams.
3. Fill Up with the Right Fuel
Many times, our thoughts and emotions can drag us down to feel physically fatigued. When we feel fatigued, it is so easy to reach for the wrong type of foods and drinks to fuel our body and make us feel better. Take a quick assessment of what you are eating and drinking. Are they foods and drinks that spike your blood sugar? Are you eating too many calories and gaining weight? Are you eating heavy meals late at night affecting your sleep? To help with the re-routine, work to eat healthier foods and smaller portions. In addition, being dehydrated can often lead to fatigue so strive to drink plenty of water. Another note, alcohol can drain your energy. Assess your alcohol intake as well and cut back if you think it’s getting in the way of sleep and energy.
4. Plan and Write it Down.
When we get off track of our routines it often means our schedule is off the rails as well. Kids, visitors, and last minute anything can throw off your routine calendar. Schedule some time for yourself to review your calendar and daily routines. Whatever you’re working on, schedule time for that activity in your days, at least for the first few weeks to help get you started again. Placing the items down on a calendar will help with committing to that activity. Once you get the ball rolling, it’ll support momentum and habit formation.
5. Remember Why You Wanted to Accomplish This in the First Place.
When we commit to achieving a goal, there is always a reason why. With all the distractions in life (some good, some bad), it is so easy to forget the reason why we wanted to change in the first place. I’m a huge fan of journaling and reflection. Take 10 minutes to journal the following questions:
1. Why did I want to accomplish this goal in the first place?
2. What would my life look like if I accomplished this goal?
3. How would I feel about myself six months from now if I quit today?
4. What if I got started again today? What would happen?
Starting over is a pain and can fill you with a mix of emotions. It’s ok to feel these emotions. Whether it’s embarrassment or frustration, or a lack of confidence or apathy. Take some time to reflect on these 5 tips and get started anyway, regardless of some of the negative emotions. Change your mindset to confidence, excitement, and passion to help you achieve what you want. Even if you’ve tried it before, try it again.
