Avoid future regrets with three simple steps

Most people have a list of goals and aspirations that they would like to achieve. Some people write them down, while others simply keep them stored in their minds.

Some goals are huge, like becoming the CEO of a multi-billion-pound company, while others are much smaller.

Having goals is not uncommon, but actually achieving them can be. So many of us sabotage our dreams, completely unaware we are doing so.

Often, our list of aspirations grows, yet not much gets accomplished. Despite saying that our goals are important and perhaps even making some progress, some of us lack the commitment or consistency needed to see them through to fruition.

Fear, lack of time, money or knowledge can prevent us from pursuing our dreams. Some barriers are genuine, but there may also be occasions when we use them to justify avoiding the actions available to us. We might intend to do something but fail to follow through, or take action inconsistently.

This is sometimes because we only do what we say we will do when we feel like it. But feelings are temporary and can change at any time, so when you are working towards something, it does not always work to do only what you feel like doing.

Generally, when we skip a small action or task, we don't think it will have a huge impact. However, when compounded over time, those missed actions can contribute to some of our biggest regrets.

Here are three simple steps that, if followed regularly, could help you avoid future disappointment:

1. Write down your daily tasks

Every night before you go to bed, or each morning before you start your day, write down the tasks you need to complete to move towards your goals.

2. Do what you said you would do

If you wrote down that you would write a chapter of your book, write that chapter. Nothing more and nothing less until your other tasks for the day are complete. Doing more could eat into the time you allocated to completing something else.

3. Complete each task properly

If you said you would work out on Monday, work out on Monday. If you don't feel like going to the gym but decide to go anyway, give the session your full attention and effort.

If you follow the three steps above, you are likely to make progress. You may become more productive and experience a real sense of achievement at the end of each day.

Over time, you may also find it easier to put boundaries in place and say no to others because you are focused and clear about what you have committed to.

Where in your life can you see that putting off small, everyday tasks could lead to considerable regret in the future?