Do you have unmet goals? You aren’t alone. In fact, most of us live with unfulfilled aspirations, which is why the self-help industry is booming.
Unfortunately, many widely used self-help techniques fail to deliver results.
Best selling author and psychologist Richard Wiseman went on a mission to craft a no-nonsense response to the bogus self-help techniques. Using a diverse range of scientific data he uncovered a proven approach to achieve any goal.
The following 5 successful techniques (Do This) and 5 unsuccessful techniques (Not That) are from Wiseman’s book, 59 Seconds Change Your Life in Under a Minute.
DO THIS: MAKE A STEP-BY-STEP PLAN
If you are serious about achieving your goal, then you need to create a step-by-step plan on how to do it.
Successful goal-achievers break down their overall goal into sub-goals. Each sub-goal needs to be concrete, measurable and time-based.
NOT THAT: MOTIVATE YOURSELF BY FOCUSING ON SOMEONE THAT YOU ADMIRE
Studies show that focusing on someone you admire is not a strong enough motivator to see you through your goal.
DO THIS: TELL OTHER PEOPLE ABOUT YOUR GOAL
How badly do you want to achieve your goal? If you want it bad enough, you’ll tell your friends and family.
This technique works on two levels. First, you’ve put yourself on the spot by letting the world in on your goal, so it’s all-eyes-on-you. Failure would be public. Second, your friends and family are there to offer support and encouragement. Don’t underestimate the psychological power of having someone in your corner.
NOT THAT: THINK ABOUT THE BAD THINGS
When you focus on the negative it becomes your reality.
DO THIS: FOCUS ON THE GOOD THINGS WHEN ACHIEVING YOUR GOAL
Remind yourself of the benefits associated with achieving your goal.
Make a checklist of how life will be better once you have achieved your aim. This gets your focus on a positive future, one that’s worth the effort.
NOT THAT: TRY TO SUPPRESS UNHELPFUL THOUGHTS
Rather than trying to erase that image of chocolate cake from your mind, learn to deal with the reality of temptation head-on.
DO THIS: REWARD YOUR PROGRESS
Studies show that attaching rewards to each of your sub-goals encourages success.
Your rewards should never conflict with your major goal. When aiming to lose weight, never use food as a reward.
NOT THAT: RELY ON WILLPOWER
Willpower alone rarely gets anyone to their goal.
DO THIS: RECORD YOUR PROGRESS
Make your plans, progress, benefits and rewards concrete by expressing them in writing.
Use a hand-written journal, your computer or a bulletin board to chart your progress. This process is priceless for maintaining motivation.
NOT THAT: FANTASIZE ABOUT LIFE AFTER ACHIEVING YOUR GOAL
Daydreaming is fun, but simply fantasizing about your new life will not make it a reality.
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Now is your time to get into the best shape of your life.