Simple Planning Strategies to Make Achieving Your Goals Easier

Written & edited by Rebecca Payne

In the words of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “A goal without a plan is just a wish," and with new goals in mind, it’s time for the real work to begin.

First, let’s talk tactics: No matter what outcome you’re working toward, achieving your goal depends on changing up your current habits. Human beings do tend to like our creature comforts and routines, so make no mistake about it: Changing a habit is hard work. To make the process easier, try pairing your desired new habit with part of your existing routine. Think of the things you already do most days of the week (like watching an episode of your favourite show after work) and how you can pair your new habit with the existing one. Consider when you can schedule your new habit into your day, who can support you, and what tools you might need. It’s also a good idea to create a visual reminder of the new habit you want to uphold. Write reminder notes and post them up in places you look every day, like your bathroom mirror or refrigerator door. Set a reminder on your phone. Buy yourself a calendar and put a checkmark on it every day that you uphold your new habit, then see how long of a streak you can create.

Next, you’ll want to consider what barriers you might face as you work toward your goal. Think about setbacks you’ve faced in the past, and using an “if/then” format, create a plan for how you’ll overcome them if you encounter them again. For example, “If I’m invited out to a restaurant, then I’ll research healthier menu options before we get there” or “If I oversleep and miss my scheduled workout, then I’ll squeeze it in on my lunch break.” Common barriers include a tendency to procrastinate, unplanned events, or setbacks such as injury.

For more ideas on building better habits and reaching your goals, check out our sources below:

https://www.happify.com/hd/how-science-can-help-you-stick-to-your-goals-infographic/

https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/mental-health/why-your-new-years-resolutions-fail-and-how-you-can-change-the-pattern

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/goal-striving

https://foundr.com/goal-setting-strategies/

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_90.htm

https://jamesclear.com/stop-procrastinating-seinfeld-strategy

https://jamesclear.com/paper-clips

https://jamesclear.com/goal-setting

PEAKS Lifestyle Members can expect weekly habit check-ins from their Designated Coach. Members and non-members alike are always welcome to connect with Mental Performance Consultant Onika Green for added support.

Got any tried and true strategies for making new habits stick? Let us know!