Achieving goals bring you happiness but you don't have time?!

MEENU DATTA

COACH & AUTHOR

Recently, I posed a profound question to one of our clients: "What is happiness to you?"

Their response was both inspiring and relatable: "Fulfilling my commitment towards the meaningful goals I finally learned to create for myself."

However, when asked about the obstacles in their way, they admitted, "I don't know. I feel different levels of motivation towards my goals on different days, and somehow my focus in execution is not as good as I'd like it to be."

Doesn't this sound familiar? We have all thought of it more than a few times. That's what gave me an idea to share with you all what I shared with my client (in case you are facing similar challenge).

It's perfectly normal to face challenges in executing our personal goals because we juggle dozens of tasks every day.

Prioritizing developmental goals can be daunting, and by the time we carve out some personal time, we're either too exhausted or too distracted to concentrate.

But don't worry, I've got some practical tips to help you overcome these hurdles and stay focused.

By the way, these techniques are great for work too.

1. Body Doubling

In the ADHD world, body doubling is a known technique and I have been using this technique for years and it works even for people who don't have ADHD. Why? Because having someone sit next to you while you work can create a sense of accountability. Just their presence can motivate you to stay on task.

It may be coming from the classroom effect where we think the teacher is watching us or could be from the office days where there were people around us and we could not open our social media or personal email accounts whenever we want.

If you're working from home, it could even be your toddler or pet for that matter. The idea is to FEEL accountable.

2. Mono-task

Our minds and bodies handle one task at a time much better than multitasking. You must have heard that you can combine a physical task with a mental task. I have found that even that reduces the quality and speed of the tasks at hand.

For example, folding laundry while watching TV divides your attention, slowing you down and causing you to miss out. It’s okay to do this occasionally, but making it a habit can hinder productivity.

I tested this theory exactly 17 times (not tested on animals ;) but on myself, my family, and a few of my clients) before coming to a conclusion that when it comes to focus, productivity, and quality, one task at a time is the way to go!

3. Still not feeling it? Start with Pomodoro

By now some of you may already have started finding reasons why the first two strategies won't work for you.

"I don't have a toddler or pet at home."

"Do you know how many tasks I have on my plate? There is no way I can mono/single task!"

I never said you had to do all tasks every day! That's a prioritizing problem, not a focus problem.

And if you really want to work on 5 different types of tasks needing different skills, use Pomodoro technique for each of them and space them out with breaks in between. How to do it?

Set a timer for a specific period (e.g., 20-25 minutes) to focus on one task. If other tasks or ideas pop into your mind, jot them down, but don’t switch tasks until your timer goes off.

This method also promotes mono-tasking and improves focus without a fail.

With this technique, I get in the zone so well with this technique that I reset the timer at least 2-4 times before taking a break.

4. Do it Terribly!

If it's not the focus and it's you lack motivation instead, it might be because you feel the need to do everything perfectly.

Instead, set an interesting goal like, “I’m going to do this terribly, but I’m going to do it.”

This takes the pressure off and allows to put the “done is better than perfect” rule into practice, making the task more engaging.

5. The Power Zone beyond Brain

Lastly, I want to share that sometimes it's not the brain that needs to be in the zone but our surroundings.

Designate a specific area for work that is free from distractions.

Whether it’s a corner of a room or a separate office, having a dedicated workspace can signal to your brain that it’s time to focus, enhancing productivity and concentration.

Leaving your phone out of the room, and closing additional tabs on your screen will help more than you'd like to ever admit.

So, in the end, I'll say it again, "It's okay to find challenges in execution."

What's important is to keep trying new strategies to boost your focus and motivation. These little adjustments can make a big difference.

What's not okay is to use your work, family or anything else as an excuse to not go after your goals/desires.

Now, I could not let you go without a different perspective. If you can stay with me for just another minute... please?

While you may find happiness in setting and achieving goals, it's important to consider that attaching your happiness solely to your goals can sometimes lead to stress and dissatisfaction.

If your happiness is entirely dependent on reaching specific milestones, you might neglect the small, everyday moments that contribute to a fulfilling life.

Try to celebrate the journey, as journey's span is longer and the feelings tied to reaching the destination don't last long. Happiness can be found in daily experiences, relationships, and personal growth outside of goal achievement.

Happiness can be found beyond goal achievement too.

All you need (literally) is to get out of your head and feel the life happening around you and you'll find plenty of things that'll provide you happiness.

Now, I am done! Just one question though....

What's one goal you want to commit to starting today?

Here's to fulfilling those meaningful goals and finding happiness in the journey!

Struggling to prioritize your personal goals and need help? Give me a call and we can figure out a path that works specifically for you.

To your success,

Meenu

Click here to read this on the web!