Puzzle Your Problems to Reset Goals

Goals are the reasons why we do things.  We want certain things like income and benefits, so we seek employment.  We go to work even when we feel less than optimal, because we are highly motivated to get paid, to support ourselves, our family, our lifestyle.  Even on those occasions when we aren't feeling 100% great about our job, we are always feeling 100% great about getting paid for doing our job.  

When it comes to other things, simpler things like house projects or going to the gym, we may have good intentions, but when it comes time to execute the plan, something unexpected can get in the way.  Maybe you don't feel great, so painting a bedroom is not going to happen this weekend.  Maybe you are especially stressed after work, and you forgot to pack your gym bag, so you go home instead and then get comfortable.   

We plan and set goals when we envision our very best selves taking over.  We are optimistic and forward thinking.  However, a lot can happen between the time you set your goal to the time you are supposed to act on your goal.  What often gets in the way is friction--unexpected obstacles.  The solution to this problem is to unravel the circumstances and consider exactly what got in the way.  Not trash talking to yourself is critical.  The more you focus on the fact that you didn't do what you set out to do--the worse you feel--the less motivated you are.  

I think one of the toughest truths to accept with goal setting is that it is harder to execute a plan than it is to make a plan.  Think about a goal of eating one slice of pizza when everyone else is indulging.  That's hard.  That goes against natural instincts--eat with the tribe--do what your friends are doing--be cohesive.  That piece of the puzzle doesn't fit or feel good.  The only way we can execute that plan is if we focus on what we want more instead of on what we want in the moment.  We must remember our "why" for what we are doing.  We also can't be too hungry, otherwise all bets are off when primal instincts take over.  We also have to have a strong plan to fill up on salad, eat the one slice of pizza and get away from the rest of the pizza.  Whew... that's a major feat.  

This week, take a look at one of your goals (eat less sugar, exercise three times a week, track daily, no snacking after dinner, etc.) and consider what is it that is making it so difficult to achieve.  Keep puzzling this through until you get to the honest answer.  That answer may be--I just don't feel like it.  Then, reconsider what a more achievable goal might look like instead.  A "Plan B" might be executed more often than a Plan A.  And that's A-OK.