Achieving Goals Through Motivation and Discipline
Motivation and discipline work together to help you succeed. You might not always feel motivated, which is where discipline—the act of doing something even if you don’t want to—can be extremely helpful. When you practice self-discipline regularly, you may become more motivated as you work toward your goals. Get started with the tips below.
Set achievable goals. Adding parameters to your goals can help boost your motivation as you track your progress and see changes over time. The SMART acronym—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely—is an excellent method for this. A SMART goal, for example, would be to “make three new friends” instead of “create a network of friends.” By setting well-defined goals, you can stay focused, motivated and inspired as you make meaningful progress toward your objectives.
Be flexible and create alternatives. While part of being disciplined is working toward your goals even when you aren’t motivated, it’s important to allow yourself to change course and adjust along the way. For example, if you have a goal of walking outside every day, but there is a blizzard, walking on the treadmill is a good alternative. Remember, if a goal no longer serves you or becomes impossible to complete, shifting your focus to something else is OK.
Enlist the help of others. Having an accountability partner can be highly motivating. Ask a loved one to hold you accountable or have them participate with you. Online groups can also be great for this. Consider seeking out forums to find like-minded people working toward similar goals.
Take breaks. No matter your goal, it’s important to pace yourself and avoid burnout. Studies show that taking breaks during the day can help improve productivity. Whether you prefer stretching, taking a walk or going for a quick snack or coffee, use your breaks to do what makes you feel happy and energized.
By combining discipline with motivation, setting clear objectives and staying flexible, you can steadily work toward your goals while maintaining balance.
