7 Simple Ways to Stay Focused and Achieve Long-Term Goals

Guest blog post from Ciaran Robinson who is a personal trainer in Galway who helps people of all fitness levels achieve their long term fitness goals.

Everyone has a dream. For children, that might be becoming an astronaut or a fireman. For professionals, that dream might be getting the high paying leadership role in the company.

Maybe, you’re starting a business for the first time, and you envision thousands of customers buying your products. Perhaps, you dream of getting a third level qualification and becoming a certified professional. Maybe you want to shed a pound and achieve that attractive physique that you’ve always wanted.

But reaching those dreams does not happen overnight. It takes time, and it is a long process. It requires certain qualities such as patience, persistence, passion, positivity, and focus.

Many people possess all of these qualities; however, the downfall is not using them to the highest level. Not focusing on long term goals is one of the main reasons why most individuals lose sight of their vision or dream.

So, how can you stay focused and achieve those long-term goals? Here are 7 ways that will help you do just that.

1. Break down your goals into measurable objectives

It may not sound very intuitive, but you need to work backwards. Yes, you read that correctly. You need to deconstruct and break down those big long-term goals into a mix of short and medium sized objectives. When you start with the outcome first and work backwards, things become very possible and clear. Most people do just the opposite.

2. Focus on the Process

Many people concentrate on the results rather than the process. Experts suggest that focusing on the latter is more important.

Imagine you want to shed a pound, so you hit the gym every day. At first, doing pull-ups can be challenging. Your arms and body ache and you do not see the result fast. But as time goes on, you start to find it easier and you end up motivated to continue making your goal come to life.

3. Small Achievements Matter

People always look for a big win. Stop thinking that way. It does not matter how significant your achievement is. What matters the most is that you are a few steps away from reaching your dream. If you fail and need to start from the bottom, be patient. Just keep knocking out those smaller goals. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

4. Make Sure your Objectives are Realistic

Be completely honest with yourself. Are you really doing your best to turn that goal into a reality? Are you really working hard enough? One common reason why people fail is that their objectives are unrealistic. They are not specific, measurable, attainable, result-orientated or time-bound. Google SMART goal setting right now. It’s a fundamental step.

Ask yourself whether your goal is realistic. If it’s like catching a star, think again. Make sure your dreams are physically possible to reach. If you stumble and fall, don’t worry! Not only will it make you a stronger person, but it will also allow you to learn from your mistakes.

5. Be Consistent

Don’t be complacent when you see the first signs of progress and certainly don’t let that long-term goal out of your sight. Sometimes, when individuals shed a pound, they are likely to overindulge. They drink alcohol, go to town with a high-carb feast or forget their daily workout routine altogether.

Don’t do this. You have to be resolute towards your goals. When you win, make it an inspiration for a bigger achievement. When you lose, consider that failure as fuel and motivation to push you forward.

6. Surround Yourself with Positive Thinkers

Have you ever experienced a group of negative-thinking individuals? How did that make you feel? It’s quite contagious.

As a business owner, a health-conscious individual, a university student or a professional, surround yourself with people who emanate positive and light energy. That way, you can be more optimistic, energetic and committed to making your visions come true.

7. Don’t Worry About the Things You Cannot Control

Are you a person who gets paralyzed by the what ifs? Then, it might be one of the reasons why you’re at not progressing as fast.

You can’t control the weather. You can’t control the traffic on the way to work. You can’t control people's opinions of you. Whether you want to provide an extraordinary business presentation worthy of a standing ovation or impress a panel of judges at a competition, try not to be pessimistic. Instead, look on the brighter side and understand that some things are within your power and some things are not.

Indeed, it’s easy to dream big and it may look like a long road to make that goal come to life. With commitment, focus and determination, you can become the person you want to be at the right time.