If you’re like me you have been to many goal-setting seminars where the instructor encourages you to set goals and then write a date by which you will reach those goals. In fact I have even been one of those instructors! The idea, of coarse, is to get you moving. Sometimes this works but more often then not it will freeze you into abrupt and solid inaction. Oh, perhaps you’ll take a few small steps until you hit your first obstacle then everything else will feel more important to work on and there goes your goal. So why does this happen?
There are at least two parts of the brain responsible for your inactivity. When you set a big goal. Let’s say, doubling your income by the end of the year. This goal will most definitely take you out of your comfort zone and require change and growth. The Psycho-cybernetic mechanism which acts like a thermostat to let you know when you are out of your comfort zone kicks into high gear. It’s letting you know that you are setting a goal that is really pushing your percieved safety. (Remember to the brain change=danger) This causes discomfort and sends an alarm to the Amygdala which is the part of your brain that senses fear. That’s when you start believing that checking your emails or cleaning cat hair from under the dryer is way more important then your goal of doubling your revenue! And that my friends, is why putting a date on your goal is not always such a great idea.
Now there are some goals that are well within your comfort zone. For those goals go ahead and set a date. It will motivate and excite you. That is the key. If setting a date on a goal makes you feel excited then that’s exactly what you should do. But if setting a date on a goal makes it feel like a burden, overwhelming or downright frightening don’t do it! By setting a date all you will do is freeze yourself like a frightened rabbit. Instead, write the goal and then start working with your limiting beliefs. The reason a goal scares you, is that filed away in your subconscious, are beliefs that don’t line up with that goal. Ask yourself, what are the downsides to this goal? What am I afraid will happen? Let’s go back to doubling your income. Perhaps you feel that if you double your income your not- so- supportive family will come with their hands out. Or maybe your friends will not be able to relate to you because you have passed them up financially. Whatever it is, acknowledge your limiting beliefs and start working with them. Here are the first steps…
1. Write down your vision and goal and a compelling reason why you want to reach it.
2. Write some positive affirmations to retrain your brain for success.
3. Read your vision and affirmations daily.
4. Take action towards your goal, even if it is just a baby step.
5. Notice what beliefs and fears come up as you take action.
6. Don’t put a date on it until it feels good, just keep taking action.
Have an amazing Monday!
Leanna Fredrich, Mindset Coach, Adv. EFT, Adv. Psych-K
PS: It is much easier to reach your goals and change your limiting beliefs with a coach who has tools to help you move quickly. I would be honored to work with you. If you’re interested email me at Leanna@amazingmondays.com