Many experts have told me that the best way to keep motivated is to keep my eye on the goal. I’ve been told to envision how reaching the goal will feel and look. Frankly, I’ve even said the same thing to people. But you know what – it doesn’t always work.
I’m striving to reach a personal goal – to run 10K (just over 6 miles). I was out for a run earlier in the week. My goal for that run was four miles. As I ran I noticed that my eyes kept looking at the ground just 10 feet ahead of me. Every once in a while I consciously raised my eyes to look farther in the distance and actively put my mind towards getting to the four mile mark.
Each time I did it, within seconds I noticed that my eyes were looking down at the pavement in front of my feet and the prospect of running four miles felt daunting. Yet, when I reached the last eighth of a mile, I was finally able to keep my focus farther in the distance and get excited about achieving my goal for the day.
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
As I cooled down I thought about what was going on. My ultimate goal, to be able to run six miles, was way too much for me to focus on. Even four miles was too much. I couldn’t envision it. All I could focus on was the moment and on the single next step I had in front of me.
I still believe it’s important to know your goal, and be clear on why you want to reach it, and yet many of those goals are too big to use for your day-to-day motivation. Pay attention to what you need.
What motivates you? What will keep you going through the steps you want and need to take? Do you need to focus on your ultimate goal? Do you need to focus on the immediate next step, or maybe do you need to focus on something in between?
Bottom line – ignore the experts, do what works for you.
What do you think? Watch the video and then share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Good for you for keeping up your running, you are inspiring!
For me, I look to attain small goals as I know that if I take care of the small ones, the big ones will take care of themself. When I am walking, I do not think of getting to the top of the hill, but rather to the next pole or hydrant. Then from there I set my sights on the next marker along my way. Before I know it I am at the top of my street looking down. I live on a huge hill so it is real exercise and a committment to get to the top for someone just getting back into exercise.
I love that way of looking at things Lori – take care of the small goals & the big ones will take care of themselves.
Thanks for sharing that!
Carrie
Thanks Carrie, I needed this to be able to see my path today. I am launching on online class in two months, and sometimes, it seems so overwhelming, I clean up my desktop to pass the time….this helped me to grab some small task towards my end goal of launching, and now I am on a roll!
Hi Diane, Glad that this message helped you today. Sometimes look at the next tiny step & other times towards the long term goal. Keep rolling on & let me know if I can help.
Encouraging words. I find a combination of short term and long term goals help me the most.
Totally agree Janis. It completely depends on the situation & even the moment.