
Every day…write one goal for yourself somewhere visible, and all you are focusing on for that day is achieving that one goal. At the end of the day, you get to put a check mark next to the goal…and if you fail, you leave that goal where it was, and that is the same goal you attack the next day. Start with this one little goal each day, and then when you are achieving that one goal consistently, you add another….and another….and another.
This is how I did it. At the beginning, it started off very small. “Focus only on what you can control today.” So I went through the day focusing not on all the craziness going on around me, but what I had direct influence one. And then I found the gym…and that helped change the direction in my life for certain. I could control what I put in, and I could control what came out. Life’s easiest equation is found in the gym.
When I started writing…things were a mess. I was soon launched into something that made that mess even more chaotic…and I just felt numb and stuck every single day. Anxious, upset…couldn’t get my mind off of what had happened. But, you have to start somewhere…and the goals I had were very very very small. Like, “smile more today, “eat healthy today,” or “write.” I don’t think many people know this really, but there were times…weeks that went by where I couldn’t write. I literally could not get myself to write for many reasons. I had too much internal conflict, and at the time my writing wasn’t pure enough to accurately represent what was going on inside of me. It was only when I started to get really familiar with the feeling of being cleansed after I finished writing a given piece that I committed to an everyday process. It was only after that point where things really took off in terms of my own development.
So go after one little thing a day. Those little guys add up to become big wins in the long-term. When you have the mindset of chipping away, you lose all your fear because the size of the task in front of you becomes lost. The U.S. continental coming from the west was hand pickaxed for miles. That’s granite…in the winter…for a task that was deemed impossible. Well, you know the rest of the story, but when you dig into that mountain…you are on your way. Don’t let the mountain itself deter you from starting. Go for it.
Evan Sanders
The Better Man Project
“I had too much internal conflict, and at the time my writing wasnβt pure enough to accurately represent what was going on inside of me.”
This was exactly what I needed to read. I feel cluttered. My apartment, my mind, my life, that I am having difficulties acknowledging what is really going on. It is so reassuring to know that others have experienced the same thing– and its a weight off of my shoulders simply reading it. Thank you.
The best ideas are always the simplest, aren’t they. A great post.
I needed this push so much today! Great one π
what an awesome idea. i should do this
Reblogged this on The Dark Geisha and commented:
I rarely reblog, but this is worth reading. Just do One Little Thing…
Reblogged this on Ankur Learning Solutions.
Reblogged this on 365.
I like your idea of starting small (one goal) and gradually increasing it based on your capabilities. I think we’re way less likely to burn out and fail that way!
I love the idea of making a daily goal! Thanks for the post!
Thank you so much for this, I know that feeling on being stuck and not knowing what to do next, I feel like I’m in a bubble everyday when I wake up, I can’t trust anymore and feel so detached from society. I will give this a try thank you.
Clare π
Thanks for this – it was very helpful. In a place right now where writing has been difficult. Ironically, something that has always been easy has become arduous – but it is an activity of supreme importance for me and you have inspired me to be more diligent! Keep keeping on!!!
one thing a day .. it is
I’ve got to say, the “smile more today” goal struck a chord with me. (it is only the whole premise of my blog haha). amazing though. It’s easy to forget what you’re goals are. My friends and and I have made goals in various areas in our lives and we share them with each other. Each one of us makes the other accountable and we meet once a month. It’s hard to reach some goals but like you said, chip away at it.
What great advice! Thank you, I love how you suggest goals even as simple as smile more today, excellent post:)
thank you for the article…
love it. made me realize, start with a simple one…
Hello Evan, I have nominated you for Blog of the Year 2012 Award. I have truly enjoyed your blog. http://findingorderincorpusa.wordpress.com/2012/12/09/blog-of-the-year-2012-award/
I liked this… I always make these huge lists of goals and projects and things to do and am always getting frustrated that I only cross of a few things.
Going to try your advice, see how it goes :]
Thank you for this post. Really need this at this period π
I love your pages and your form of self-expression, it is a pleasure to have you share your gifts through your pages Thank you. I have nominated you for blog of the Year please visit my page Blog of the year awards and nominations Thank you! Revised
Posted on December 9, 2012
Wow! A goal each day, that’s big. That should be in my goal list for 2013. I’m so hyped up that I completed my goal list for 2012.
Thanks for the motivation..great post
Such good advice, for we all feel overwhelmed at times. I have always felt standing still is not an option, even if I can only take small baby steps. Your one goal a day method will help me focus those little wee steps. Thank you. π
Thank you for the motivational words! I enjoyed reading this! π