Why small steps matter when achieving your goals

There is so much talk around goals – about whether we should have them or not, whether they work or not and so on. The conversation, in my view, is huge, and here are some of my thoughts.

Why do we expect results so quickly

A common expectation today, with developments such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, increasing fast food deliveries and almost everything "on demand", is that results or material things ought to come to us quickly. So now, we expect everything to work quickly - including things like reaching our goals. 

Children are growing up with this as the norm, whilst those of us who are slightly older (!) have seen this develop over time. Some regard it as a great change, others less so. It does, however, make us think about the value of patience, persistence and delayed gratification.

Perhaps you can recall the days of learning about delayed gratification and the sense of achievement that comes from applying yourself with dedication and purpose to something, and eventually attaining the outcome you so desired. You didn't take shortcuts or give up.

The value of long-term goals

Goals can be short-term, mid-term or longer-term. I do believe in goals, in the same way as thousands of successful people around the globe do.

The really meaningful goals tend (but not always) to be longer-term goals. However, to reach them, you have to work hard at the little steps that will get you there.

This is how we thrive – through understanding this key point and acting upon it.

If you have tendencies to procrastinate, aim for perfection or find that life simply gets in the way, speak to a coach for early support and motivation to help you get started. A good coach will help you uncover how you can sustain your progress once you're on that path.

Goal-setting coaching is there to help you move forward.

Success takes commitment

Many people forget that nothing will work unless you do.

Whether it's your career progression, a relationship, improved communication or better results from your team at work, to achieve the results you want, you must work.

Usually, that means:

• Work hard.
• Work smart.
• See things differently.
  Be observant of others and of yourself.
• Reflect on what needs to change – in you as well as in others.
• Write a plan.
• Have goals.

Reaching goals takes commitment, and commitment doesn't come easily to everyone. It is often easier to go with the voice inside that whispers, "It's time to give up," "This feels awkward," "I don't like it," or "This is too hard."

A pattern of giving up, though, will reinforce a pattern of giving up.

You only have to think of a hobby that you enjoy, such as golf, horse riding or baking, to recognise the commitment you have invested in it. When you started your favourite hobby, I am almost certain that you worked on the little steps or practised regularly enough to get to where you wanted to be. You may still be working on those steps if your goal is to gain more experience or become even better.

If distraction or procrastination is your enemy, this will also affect your level of commitment – but it is something that can be addressed, and a coach can help you unravel why.

Every step counts when working toward a specific goal

I get it. Working hard can be hard, but the outcomes can be hugely rewarding.

Just look at Usain Bolt, Mo Farah or the England cricket team. They all undoubtedly had a vision, and they all had goals.

It's the same with work or relationships. Understand your end goal very clearly. Once you are crystal clear (although there is always room for movement), reflect on what you are doing to get there and what you need to do from now on.

Appreciate that it takes small steps, sometimes over a year or more, to reach your vision.

Each step matters.

I'll say it again – each step matters, because it brings you one step closer to where you want to be.

Don't give up, but allow yourself permission to work hard and smart, and also to play hard and smart. That's when the hard work becomes worthwhile.

Your mindset has a lot to do with this, but it does not take much to realise that you and I have just one life.

Enjoy it.