Every Day Spent in Effort Toward Your Goal Counts

How is that New Year’s Resolution Going?

Quick Answer

Sieber Psychotherapy advises that achieving long-term goals, such as New Year's resolutions, hinges on focusing on consistent daily effort rather than the daunting final objective. This approach helps individuals overcome self-defeatism by building momentum through small, manageable steps. It is crucial to remember that falling off track is acceptable, provided one consistently recommits to making an effort each day.

What's The Real Problem When Goals Seem Unreachable?

The real problem when goals seem unreachable isn't the goal itself, but often the approach to achieving it. Many people, if they've already moved on from a resolution, are in good company. For instance, if you can barely run 2 miles but want to run a marathon, concluding it's impossible tomorrow is natural. The crucial shift is to focus on 'What can I do today? Can I do a little bit more than I did yesterday?'

How Does Self-Defeatism Impact Goal Achievement?

Most of us get derailed by negative thinking “I’ll never be able to do it”. These negative thoughts are so powerful that we either distract (the internet, tv, meaningless tasks) or we wallow in regret and beating ourselves up over the fact that we currently are not working toward our goal. This becomes evidence then that we “can’t” – If I didn’t run today, then that must be evidence that I can’t do this. Ridiculous!

Focus On Today

Do something. Do a little bit more than yesterday. If you did nothing yesterday, hey, at least you can today! Everyday spent in effort toward your goal is a step in the right direction. If you have more good days than bad days then you start to build momentum. Pretty soon you start to look forward to hammering away at whatever your goal is. It begins to feel good that even though sometimes you fall off, you always get back on that horse again.

How Can You Start Achieving Your Goals Today?

You can start achieving your goals today by staying focused on the present and reminding yourself that what you have control over is TODAY. It's okay if your goals are long term; the key is consistent, daily effort. For example, I'm going for a run now. If you'd like support staying grounded in the present while you work toward your long-term goals, individual therapy can help.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1 How can I overcome negative thinking that prevents me from reaching my goals?

The article highlights that negative thoughts like "I'll never be able to do it" can lead to self-defeatism. To counter this, the page suggests focusing on what you can do today and making a little more effort than yesterday to build momentum.

2 What should I do if I keep falling off track with my long-term goals?

The page emphasizes that it's okay if you sometimes fall off track. The key is to always get back on, focusing on the present and making an effort today. Consistent daily effort, even if small, builds momentum over time.

3 How does focusing on daily effort contribute to achieving big, long-term goals?

The article explains that focusing on what you can do today, and doing a little bit more than yesterday, helps build momentum. Each day spent in effort is a step in the right direction, making long-term goals feel more achievable and building positive feelings towards them.

4 Can individual therapy help me stay focused on my goals and overcome challenges?

The page suggests that individual therapy can provide support in staying grounded in the present while working toward long-term goals. This can be particularly helpful in addressing the self-defeatism and negative thinking that often derail progress.