You may have heard that setting specific goals is a great way to reach success. Unfortunately, many people are intimidated by goal setting, afraid they may make mistakes from the get-go. Their aversion is based on fear—fear of failure, rejection, or even success itself. In addition, people often think that it’s too much work to constantly keep track of goals to see if they’ve achieved. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us.
Use related objects, pictures, alarms, and appointments as reminders of your goals
Use reminders to achieve any new goal, whether it’s to drink more water, take walk breaks at work, eat breakfast, or anything else.
Here are some ways to remind yourself of your goals, so you can stay focused and follow through.
1 Use photos, images, or motivational quotes
- Upload a goal-related photo or image and set it as the background image on your computer or phone.
- Print a picture or cut one out from a magazine and hang it where you’ll see it throughout the day.
- Keep a motivational quote on your desk.
2 Strategically place sticky notes
Keep notes or images on or near things you see often:
- At home: Alarm clock, bathroom mirror, books or magazines, on your breakfast cereal box, coffee maker, computer or tablet, front door, kitchen cabinet, refrigerator, phone or phone charger, TV
- At work: Bulletin board or dry-erase board, clock, computer monitor, desk drawer, filing cabinet, laptop bag, office door
- Other: In your pocket, money clip, purse, wallet, car keys, in your car
3 Change your environment
Change your environment to remind yourself of your goal. For example, if your goal is to go for a walk after dinner and you typically sit in your favorite chair to read a book, you could:
- Move your chair.
- Move your book next to your walking shoes.
- Place your walking shoes next to your chair or where your chair used to be.
Quick Tip
Rearrange your environment so that when you go to engage in your old behavior, you’re reminded of your new behavioral goal.
4 Look for existing reminders you haven’t noticed
Look around you, especially at work and see what things already exist that can serve as a reminder of your goal. These are things in your environment that you may not have noticed before.
For example, are there signs, images, or quotes posted in hallways or breakrooms that you didn’t notice before but find inspirational?
5 Set alarms
Set an alarm on your watch, phone, or other device as a reminder to move, eat a snack, drink water, or takes steps toward any other goal.
6 Schedule appointments
Schedule appointments with yourself as you would with your boss, co-worker, or doctor. For example, schedule a 10:00 a.m. appointment with yourself to go for a short walk.
7 Send yourself messages
Send yourself a text message, e-mail, or voicemail reminder about your goal.
- Call your home phone during the day from work, and leave a voicemail that you’ll get when you’re home.
- Call your work phone in the evening from home, and leave a voicemail that you’ll get at work the next day.
- Send yourself an email before you to go bed at night that you’ll see the next day.
- Schedule emails to be sent at a later time.
8 Use goal-related objects
Use reminders that are directly related to your goal.
- If your goal is to drink more water, keep a refillable water bottle in your car cup holder, on your desk at work, and by your alarm clock.
- If your goal is to eat more fruit, keep fruit visible on your desk at work, on the top shelf of your fridge, and on your kitchen counter.
- If your goal is to go for a morning walk, keep your headphones by your alarm clock, walking shoes in front of your bedroom door, and exercise clothes laid out.
9 Recruit friends, family, or co-workers
Android Goal Tracking App
Ask your friends, family, or co-workers to remind you about your goal throughout the day.
- Ask a family member to send you an email reminder during the day.
- Ask a friend to text you each evening to follow up on your goal.
- Ask a co-worker to check-in with you about your goal when they see you.
Important Tip
Let people know how and when you want to be approached and reminded about your goal. Tell them exactly what words and tone to use to be helpful. That way, you can feel supported instead of becoming defensive.
Goal Reminder Event
10 Add goals to your To-Do list
Goal Reminder
Add your goal to your daily To-Do list on your phone, online calendar, or pad of paper. Be sure your goal is added to any list you keep…even if it’s your grocery list.
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