Set realistic goals from "summary" of Rewire by Richard O'Connor
When we set goals that are unrealistic, we set ourselves up for failure. It's like trying to climb Mount Everest without any training or equipment. Sure, it's possible, but the odds are stacked against us. We need to set goals that are achievable, that we can realistically work towards. This doesn't mean we should set the bar low - we should still aim high, but we need to be practical about it. Setting realistic goals also means breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps. If our goal is to run a marathon, we can't expect to go from couch potato to marathon runner overnight. We need to start small, with maybe just a mile or two, and gradually build up our endurance. By setting smaller, more achievable goals, we can track our progress and stay motivated.
Another aspect of setting realistic goals is being honest with ourselves about what we can and can't do. If we have a demanding job and a family to take care of, it might not be realistic for us to train for a marathon. We need to take into account our own limitations and set goals that take them into consideration. This doesn't mean we should give up on our dreams, but rather adjust our expectations to fit our current circumstances.
Finally, setting realistic goals means being flexible. Life is unpredictable, and things don't always go according to plan. If we encounter obstacles along the way, we need to be willing to adjust our goals and expectations. Maybe we need to take a break from training to deal with a family emergency, or maybe we need to scale back our ambitions for the time being. Being able to adapt to changing circumstances is a crucial part of setting realistic goals.
In the end, setting realistic goals is about setting ourselves up for success. By being practical, breaking our goals into manageable steps, being honest with ourselves, and staying flexible, we can increase our chances of achieving our dreams. It's not about setting the bar low - it's about setting the bar at a height that we can realistically reach. And when we do reach that bar, we can set our sights even higher, knowing that we have the skills and determination to make it happen.
