It's no secret that you're more apt to attain goals if you're operating at optimal mental health. But how can you tell if you're mentally driven to excel?
Even the most self-aware leaders may not realize how their mental state works for or against them. As they set and pursue goals, their attitude and outlook can shape the outcome.
Emotions play a huge role in how we approach our goals. If you start with passion and optimism, for example, you're better off than someone who's driven by anxiety or fear of failure.
Put Mental Health First
Ideally, your goals align with what matters most to you. As long as you're resilient and mentally able to overcome obstacles, you're well suited to succeed.
"When goals are tethered to our top values, we're more likely to attain them," said Judy Ho, a Los Angeles-based clinical neuropsychologist. "It's knowing 'What values truly matter to me?' "
To ensure that you're mentally ready to advance toward your goals, give yourself a head start. How can you adopt the right mindset to power ahead?
Prepare For Setbacks
It's one thing to set an ambitious goal and then see yourself achieving it. But to increase your chances, brace for setbacks.
"Visualize positives and potential barriers and traps along the way that can derail your progress," said Ho, author of "The New Rules Of Attachment." "Then you'll be prepared for action if you face those traps."
She suggests using if-then thinking to help you anticipate and overcome challenges that may arise. For example, tell yourself, "If I hit resistance in diversifying the business, I'll refocus on increasing revenue in our core service."
Get Out Of Your Own Way
Self-doubt can hinder your progress. If you're convinced that you're not equipped or qualified to achieve the goals you've set, you're defeated before you begin. And the impostor syndrome can leave you unsure of your own abilities.
"Self-sabotage comes from a place of self-protection," Ho said. "It's a survival instinct that protects you from any type of perceived harm."
To work around it, replace self-defeating beliefs ("I'm not worthy of reaching this goal") with self-affirming vows ("I can and will do this").
Welcome Success
Goal setters usually have the best intentions to follow through and reach their objective. But they may fear success and what comes with it.
If you seek to earn a promotion, for instance, you may view that career goal as one step in your path to self-advancement. Yet you might also fret about the consequences of attaining it.
"You may think if you get that promotion, what will other people say? Will they think you don't deserve it?" Ho said.
Loosen The Reins
If you're controlling by nature, goals can elude you. That's because it often takes teamwork to reach the top, and some people drive away potential allies.
"Self-proclaimed perfectionists may have an excessive need for control," Ho said. "That can get in the way if you have to delegate" to achieve your goal.
Calibrate Your Anxiety
It's hard work to attain big goals. Stress can mount as you face roadblocks.
The key is to harness anxiety to your advantage. Monitor your stress level so that it doesn't get too high. And embrace mild anxiety rather than resisting or denying it.
"Being a little bit anxious can help keep you motivated and on your toes," said David H. Rosmarin, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. "But at some point, anxiety has diminishing returns."
Monitor your anxiety level and take steps to reduce it when it spikes. Enjoy a brisk walk or adopt a soothing mantra to reframe your mindset.
