10 Tips for Starting a New Goal

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You have a big idea. We all do.

You have thought about it for a long time.

Yet, you can’t get started. Or you tried and your efforts flamed out quickly.

Why is it so hard to do something new?

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone

Remember how hard it was when you first learned to drive a car? For some it may have been terrifying, while others of us thought we knew it all right up until we turned the key in the ignition. (Remember when cars had keys and not push starts?) Starting as a new driver was hard. But after time, it became so effortless that it’s automatic.

Your big idea is new. And maybe scary. Definitely harder than staying with the status quo. But that’s okay.

By definition, doing something new means changing what you are doing now.

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Leaving comfort zones make us uncomfortable. Doing new actions and even forming new habits takes motivation. But once you get started, you can turn your big idea into an achievable goal.

Here are 10 Tips for Starting Your New Goal:

Talking doesn’t do it – Talking about your goal, doesn’t make progress. Doing is what will start to move you towards success.
Start Small – You often see people who are trying to get into shape overdoing it at the gym. Not only do they risk injury because they don’t know what they are doing yet, but they often burn out before they can make true progress. Start with small steps. Baby steps, even.
Consistency Wins – Don’t try and do it all at once. You can’t accomplish a big goal in one session. Consistency wins over cramming every time.
Make Time – If you are doing something new, you aren’t doing it now. Make sure you block time in your schedule or else your new goal will always be an afterthought that doesn’t fit in your day.
Start Early – The early bird gets more done before others are even up. The best time to do something for yourself is before others are awake. Writing, exercising, goal-setting are best done before the sun rises. (Hint: You can be an early bird…)
Get enough rest – When doing something new, you will be pushing yourself both physically and mentally. It is important to get enough rest so that your body and mind can recover. Otherwise, you risk burning yourself out and running out of energy.
It takes time – Tough Question: How long did it take you to get out of shape? You’re not going to magically get into shape in a few days or weeks. Give yourself realistic timeframes to reach your goal. It may be months or longer.
No shortcuts – There may be accelerators, but there are no shortcuts. When you are pursuing your goals, there are no quick fixes. You have to do the work. You have to learn the lessons. And you have to go the distance, in time and effort.
The right tools – If you’re training for a 5K, you need running shoes. Starting a book, you need a writing app. That being said, there is a balance here. No matter your endeavor, there is no reason to go out and waste money on expensive tools. Start with the basics. You can upgrade later.
Not easy – If they were simple, everyone would be doing them. Instead everyone thinks about doing them, but few people actually do them. It will take time, effort, sweat, and tears. But your goals are worth pursuing.