What You Focus On Matters

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Remember those goals you wrote at the beginning of 2024? Say what? That seems like SO long ago!

I get it. We can be filled with so much excitement at the beginning of the year and anticipation of what’s possible. Then real life sets it, things become hard, and before ya know it your goals are forgotten faster than a new fashion trend. 

It doesn’t have to be this way! 

If you change your focus, you can easily gain back momentum and keep moving forward to see the results you want this year. It just takes 3 simple reframes to get going back on the right track. So let’s dive in. 

Secret #1: Focus on the Result, Not the How

The first secret I want to share with you is about shifting our focus from the “how” to the “result” we desire. Often, we get bogged down in the specifics of our goals (like sticking to a diet plan or hitting a daily step count) and lose sight of what we're actually aiming for. The thing is, life is unpredictable. What happens if we face setbacks or our plans don't unfold as expected? This is where the magic of focusing on the result shines. By keeping our eyes on the prize (whether it's feeling energized, becoming stronger, or achieving financial freedom), we open ourselves up to alternative paths and creative solutions that align with our ultimate goals.

Let me give you a super practical example. Let’s say you make a goal that you are going to get up 30 minutes earlier to have some quiet time to yourself before your kids wake up. Then a day happens where the power goes out and your alarm doesn't go off. You get woken up by the kids- They're all in my room and they're all ready to go. You might think “Oh no! Now I can't have my 30 minutes before the kids all wake up.” If you are focused on the “how”, it is easy to give up. But if you are focused on the “result”- ie. I need to fill my own cup each day, then your brain gets creative. The real focus is the result that I want to spend at least 30 minutes every day feeding my mind. So I might break away at lunchtime to go read a book for a few minutes while everybody goes and plays in the backyard. I might say, “Okay, kids I want y'all to go in your room for 30 minutes and here's some Legos to play with while I sit out here and have my quiet time.”  When we focus our goal on the results, and not lock ourselves into how to achieve that goal, we get resourceful and keep making progress.

Secret #2: Embrace Your Future Self

The second secret revolves around the concept of our future selves. To achieve something we’ve never achieved before, we need to grow into the person capable of conquering that feat. This involves a mindset shift and a bit of self-discovery. We have to envision who we need to be to reach our goals and start believing in that identity. It's about transforming our perspective and seeing ourselves as the disciplined, confident individuals we aspire to be. Remember, growth is uncomfortable but absolutely necessary for progress.

Part of having faith in the things that we cannot see, is believing in the person we can become. 

Who do you need to be to achieve the goals that you want? 

There was a study that was done for people who were trying to quit smoking. They offered the people that were in the study a cigarette. Some people responded with, “Oh, I'm sorry. No, thank you. I'm trying to quit smoking.” 

The other group of people said, “Oh, no, thank you. I'm not a smoker.”

 Which group do you think was more successful at quitting? 

It was the people who said, “I'm not a smoker.” They had taken on that new identity. 

In order to reach our goal, we need to train our brains to see ourselves differently.. So if I want to be the person that is doing Whole30 or walking 10,000 Steps or keeping a clean kitchen, what identity do I need to have?

Secret #3: Cultivate Habits Over Motivation

Lastly, let's talk about the importance of habits over motivation. Relying solely on motivation can be a slippery slope because our motivation levels can fluctuate drastically. Instead, focusing on building habits that align with our goals ensures that we're consistently taking steps forward, even on days when motivation is lacking. This approach makes our goals more attainable by integrating them into our daily lives as automatic behaviors. Remember, motivation follows action, not the other way around.

Create habits that make getting the results you want EASY! How can you prepare ahead of time, so that you have systems and routines in place to make things happen naturally? Having to use willpower to make yourself start something new will only last so long. That’s why most people abandon their New Year’s goals before the calendar flips to February. Take the need for motivation out of the equation and create habits that will lead you to the results you desire.

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it—three secrets to crushing your goals: focus on the result, embrace your future self, and cultivate habits over motivation. These principles can guide you through the challenges of goal setting and help you achieve meaningful and lasting change. Remember, goal setting is not just about ticking off boxes; it's a journey of growth, self-discovery, and becoming the best version of ourselves.

Let’s approach our goals with these secrets in mind and make this year truly transformative. Here's to achieving our dreams and finding joy in the journey!

Dive deep with me into these 3 secrets on episode 19 of the The Feast Life Podcast!