4 things that stop you getting things you want (and 4 fixes)

Have you ever heard that little voice in your head that tells you that you deserve a treat? I mean, you’ve just hiked five miles! Surely, it’s okay to celebrate with a cup of tea and a slice of ‘Death by Chocolate’?  Have you ever spent January virtually living in the gym, only to find yourself slumped on the sofa, clutching the remote, come February?

Let’s take a closer look at four reasons why we often know exactly what to do, but still don’t do it. We’ll also explore some fixes that can help you get what you want with more ease and consistency.

1. It wasn't your idea

Did your doctor tell you that you need to lose weight to get your blood pressure down? Did your boss send you on a management course, so you can lead a team and advance your career? Did your kids advise you to go vegan to save the planet?

That’s excellent advice and following it would be to your advantage, but weight loss, studying or going vegan doesn’t always come easy. Unless you decide that it’s what you want, it’ll be tough to get yourself motivated and sustain momentum.

The fix: Making it your idea

Sit down with a pen and paper and list all the advantages of for example losing weight, that you can think of. Then take another look at your list and see whether you can see anything there that would motivate you MORE than optimum blood pressure.

2. You don't have a plan

Any goal is reached by taking one step at a time.  This may sound obvious, but individual steps are needed to succeed.  If you lose track of the next necessary steps or measures, your goal is likely to slip from your grasp.

The fix: Make a plan

• Grab a sheet of paper and draw a table of four columns with the headings Goal – Deadline – How? – What can go wrong?/What if …

• Fill in the table writing down your goals in column 1, including any individual steps.

• Set deadlines by which you want to achieve your goal(s)

• Under “How”, write down what needs to happen to achieve the goal(s)

• Under “What if …”, imagine what could go wrong and what you’ll do then. That way, you won’t get caught out.

3.  You don't have time

Every goal requires time. You would love to get fit, but where would you find the time to go to the gym between work, family and social commitments? There seems to be little room for manoeuvre, and the goal remains a project.

The fix: Find out where your time goes

If you struggle to find the time to realise your goal, ask yourself whether you really want it (Was it your idea?  Does it align with your values?). Is the answer yes? Then how about tracking your time for just a week or so to find out where it goes? A simple notebook will do, but there are also (free) apps for that.

Time tracking can help you identify where you may be wasting time, find areas where you may be able to delegate, highlight areas you devote time to that are not that important, or just show you that you magically find the time to spend 2 hours a day on social media or in front of the TV. No judgement - we all do it.

4.  You're doing it alone

Every goal is easier to achieve with support. Perhaps you see it as a form of motivation if you insist on doing it alone. Wouldn’t it be great to prove to others or yourself that you can do it? It certainly would, but why struggle? Why not make your life easier by getting support?

The fix:  Book a complimentary call with me

Let’s work together to tackle all aspects of what I’ve been talking about above and more. I’ll bring the knowledge of what to eat for your goals, and support you to create healthy habits that last. I’ll also be your cheerleader if you experience any barriers or setbacks that might stand in the way of achieving your goals. Now is exactly the right time for a brand new you: new diet, new attitude and new healthy lifestyle habits.