After you set a goal, two things can happen: You can pursue it with unstoppable force or let doubts and distractions derail your progress.
Many people falter in their pursuit of important goals. As the days and weeks go by, they lose their will to keep pushing themselves.
"Most goals are abandoned after one week," said Dan Waldschmidt, chief executive of Panzura, a San Jose, Calif.-based tech firm. "Goals have to be immersive" if you intend to follow through and achieve them.
To immerse yourself, try setting up reinforcement mechanisms along the way. When you get periodic reminders of the goal — and why it matters — it's harder to let it slide.
Creating a system to remind you of big goals fosters a sense of urgency, says Caroline Adams Miller, a speaker and executive coach in Bethesda, Md. You're less apt to disregard the goal if you're made aware of it — again and again.
"You want to evoke deeper structures in the brain," said Miller, author of the forthcoming book, "Big Goals." "The brain loves novelty and surprise," so set up reminders where you least expect to find them.
To reinforce your march toward a major goal, plant hard-to-ignore visible cues. How can you stay on track and reach your goal?
Use Sticky Notes
Placing handwritten notes to yourself in visible spots can propel your performance. Examples include attaching sticky notes to your bathroom mirror or the corner of your desk. Jot a mantra or rallying cry tied to your goal.
"I have notes to myself all over the place with my goals," said Waldschmidt, who's also an ultra-runner and author. "They're on my fridge, the wall by my computer, in my car, in my gym bag."
Change Your Passwords
Identify the passwords that you use the most for online services. Then reset the passwords by selecting a key word or phrase that encapsulates your goal.
"That way, you'll get a charge every time (you log in)," Miller said.
Flash Messages
If you're concerned about neglecting your goal or worried that you'll ditch it when the going gets tough, make it impossible to forget.
Try a programmable message clock, Miller says. She uses a Fantazein digital clock that displays customized messages that are hard to miss.
"I have it in my office," she said. "I turn around to look at these flashing messages — from the time and date to complete (phrases) that I program into it" to maintain focus on goals.
Appeal To The Senses
After you set a goal, link it to a sensory perception. If you want to boost sales by 20%, for example, associate booming sales with an inspirational vision of success.
"It's priming your environment," Miller said. "You're prompting yourself to think goal-directed thoughts, whether it's a song, aroma or person who reminds you of the cues to accomplish your goal."
Every time you hear arousing music or smell a pleasing scent, you can turbocharge your determination to advance toward your goal. Better yet, upload a photo of a beloved mentor or family member on your phone so that you see it throughout the day and imagine your ally cheering you on.
Calibrate The Reminders
Creating constant reminders of your goal comes with a risk: You can overdo it.
"All these daily reminders and little hacks can be effective in the short term," said Francis Sanzaro, a professional speaker in Carbondale, Colo., and author of "Society Elsewhere." "But the goal can own you at some point. Then you're at risk of burning out because you're always having to remind yourself to keep at it to the point where it doesn't feel authentic."
