How to accomplish things in 2017

I am guilty of this; especially when it came to weight loss. I would start off my weight loss regimen and find myself in front of a mountain of jollof rice. When I found myself in situations like this, I would just think of Mark 11:23 “Truly I tell you if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”

I would speak to that mountain of jollof rice and sternly say “my friend it’s time for you to be removed” and find myself removing the mountain of rice with my mouth. This would make me feel so disappointed afterwards.

I mean I put my weight loss goals down but why did I keep failing? Why did my motivation just go downhill? How can I stay motivated to lose weight when that one auntie keeps serving me mountains of jollof? Here is are some steps to stay motivated and accomplish anything in 2017:

1. Set realistic goals and visualize yourself accomplishing those goals.

When we first want to accomplish a goal sometimes we set unattainable goals; for example, “I want to lose 100 pounds in 3 months”. This kind of goal cannot be accomplished that quickly and honestly you have already set yourself up for failure.

Do not be delusional when setting goals, make sure your goal can be accomplished in a reasonable way. Another part of this first step is to visualize yourself fulfilling those goals; visualization can be positive or negative.

Often times I would find myself messing up on my weight loss goals because I would imagine myself destroying correct egusi and guess what? Because I kept putting that vision in my mind I would end up eating the very food I know I did not need in my life.

Visualize positively and see yourself getting the contract you always wanted or opening the store you always dream, because it is a way you trick your brain into thinking that you have already accomplished that goal.

2. Write a list please and list reasons why these goals are important to you.

Sometimes speaking about a goal makes no difference to your motivation level; write down your goals. When we write down goals the brain actively engages in the process of remembering a goal; this means information is stored better when it is written out. When writing goals out, list the importance or the value of the goal.

3. Break it down, Break it down.

After writing your list of goals please split up your goals. Let’s say you have 20 goals try and break goals into chunks; instead of working on all 20 goals work on 2 or 3 goals at a time. This will make you concentrate more on your goals.

4. Have a plan.

It is important to have a strategy to accomplish your goals effectively; many people fail at this stage. When you fail to plan you plan to fail. Here is an example, if I have a goal to lose weight; I would plan to workout out forty-five minutes after I get off work for 3 to 4 days a week; then I will prep my meals for the week so I will not find myself in starvation mode and stuffing any kind of food down my throat. This is an effective plan.

5. Get help and do research.

Ask for help; find people who specialize in what you want to accomplish. If you want to save money more in 2017, try speaking to a financial consultant or go online and research ways to save money. Research is so important it answers questions you need answers to.

6. Track your progress.

Check your progress weekly or monthly to see how close you are to achieving your goal. When you know where you are in your goal, you can make adjustments to quicken to the process.

7. Reward yourself every time a goal is complete.

In psychology reward systems are often put in place to increase motivation; when you reward yourself after completing a goal it will force you to complete the other goals on your list. If my goal is to lose weight; I can tell myself after I lose 50 pounds, I will buy myself a new pair of heels. I will most likely push myself to complete that goal because I want those heels baby.

Remember your goals will be accomplished stay positive and focused. If you feel your motivation dwindling find motivational videos and watch them. Surround yourself with positive people; and encourage yourself. Tell yourself I will not give up; I will accomplish these goals and go back to the list of reasons why that particular goal is important.

I would love to hear the goals you have for 2017, comment below.