I recently completed my nutrition exams. There was a huge build up to it, revising at 5 in the morning or last thing at night, whenever I could find the time. I thought I would be relived to finish, to have all this extra time. Instead the next day I felt flat and unmotivated. All I could think of was what now? Then the voice in my head says no Emma just have some time to chill out, do nothing in that spare time, enjoy it, watch Outlander and drink coffee. The other voice is saying you'll be bored Emma, let’s start planning the next thing.
Do you ever make yourself so busy but then just moan about how busy you are, that is 100% me! I actually annoy myself.
I have to have a goal, a target, to achieve something and I don't mean just long term but daily. Every day I have a to do list of things I need to do that day and I just love to cross those things of that list and go to bed with a big smile on my face with absolute achievement. I have a work list and a personal list. Personal list might be do workout, write blog, call mum, wash bedding, hit 10,000 steps, each 7 different plants today (seriously), chill out and watch Netflix for an hour. I plan my relax time, how messed up is that? I do wonder if this is a disorder but then I spoke to my manager and she does the same, she’s a freak like me too! A control freak maybe? I do have long term goals too. If I don't have these goals then I don't have direction, how would I ever achieve anything? If others are not like me then how to they achieve things?
In the course that I just finished we did a large module on goals setting. I thought if I share it may help people find the best way for them to motivate themselves. It’s also a great way to implement behaviour change, by setting small goals. In order to believe in a new identity, we have to prove it to ourselves. (not my words, I stole it) we do that by reminder, routine and reward.
Approach goal - reaching or maintaining desired outcomes. For example, I will eat more vegetables his week or I will call my mum this week
Avoidance goal - avoiding or eliminate undesired outcomes. For example, I will eat less chocolate or I will try to work out more. This type of goal setting has been shown to bring less satisfaction and control. I personally need to be more specific with my goal.
Outcome goal - this is a goal that has an agreed timeframe. For example, in 4 weeks I will have lost 2kg in body weight. This is the most popular type of goal.
Process goal - what did we implement to get to the end goal, so the process you need to follow to achieve the result. To follow on the above example, to lose 2kg in 4 weeks I must do 12,000 steps every day. This is the one I do a lot of and it increases feeling of control.
I have to stress I am no expert with the above but found it fascinating how different we all are in how we motivate ourselves. I use outcome and process goals and I find that makes me successful in what I want to achieve because they are specific. I don't well with general goals, too many grey areas for me.