Reprogramming the RAS week 10
Last week we began to explore setting goals, this week we shall explore that a wee bit more.
We may have a memory as children of playing that well known game Snakes and Ladders? This is a variation on that theme looking at the steps we need to take to achieve our goals, the possible obstacles we may encounter, how to overcome them and the reward for each step.
This tool is part of a variety of tools aimed at helping us solve what can sometimes be the complex puzzles which are our own lives. This one has a focus on steps to achieve goals and works well when used with the Jigsaw lid and getting back your oomph workbook all available for FREE. As COPE Scotland enters its final year we passed our website to a partner who needed a new website but will retain a section where our resources can still be found https://www.snowdropargyll.co.uk/ We still have our own wee website but it’s focus is on the Glaswegian Way to Wellbeing and we are exploring with GCVS how we can continue to share these resources once we are gone.
You can download the snakes and ladders tool or make one of your own. An editable version can be found here https://www.snowdropargyll.co.uk/resources/goal-setting-snakes-and-ladders
Be very clear on what your goal is and why it matters to you. Remember we spoke about motivation is easier when something has real meaning for us and not something we feel under pressure to do.
- Take time to think about what the steps are you need to take to achieve your goal and write these in the space in the poster
- Then for each step think what obstacles you may encounter and add that in the section on what may hold you back
- Having identified what may hold you back, then think, what can I do to overcome that obstacle? and add that in the space provided
- We all need some motivation, so think about the rewards you can have when you take each step and add that in the rewards section
The poster is a motivational tool to help you plan the steps you intend to take towards a goal which has meaning for you. These are some useful tips for goal setting:
IS IT YOUR GOAL?
Might sound obvious BUT achieving goals takes motivation and if it’s not really a goal you would choose for yourself then it’s hard to get motivated so make sure any goal you set is your goal and something you really want to achieve.
IS IT REALISTIC?
Now there is always a balance between confidence and having a go and not setting yourself up to fail. We can all set goals which are set so high they are unobtainable and then we feel disheartened, so once you decide on your goal maybe ask advice from others who can help you achieve it or a step towards it as sometimes its wee steps which get you there. Dream big and go for it while balancing that with not putting yourself under undue pressure.
TIMELINE
Moving from dreaming to having dreams come true requires more than talk it requires action, having a timeline helps achieve goals as it focuses you on what you need to do within a specific time. Now it may be a big goal, no problem, just break it into smaller goals each with their own timeline.
HAVE A GOAL BUDDY
Having someone to share your goals with can help motivation. This means there is someone who you can keep up to date with progress. This helps in making sure you keep to your timeline. This is a buddy i.e. someone to offer support and encouragement.
DON’T FEAR TO FAIL
We all fail all the time, we learn from what didn’t work to try again, so don’t worry if it all doesn’t go to plan first time, review the plans for next time.
GET ADVICE
There are so many agencies, groups, and maybe people you know who can help you set and take steps to achieve your goals so find out what and who is in your area that can help you achieve the goals which are important for you. This website offers information on services in Glasgow https://www.glasgowhelps.org/
FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE
Imagine how good you will feel even taking steps towards your goals, believe they can be achieved and see it in your mind’s eye how good that will be. Remember, success isn’t measured by the position we achieve but the obstacles we overcome seeking to achieve.
Goal setting and achieving goals is so impacted on by our attitude to what we are planning. Become mindful, pay attention to your inner voice and the story you tell yourself, if it’s not a nice one only you can change it. Remember, what we tell ourselves programmes our RAS so becoming aware of our internal dialogue matters. If not done already, maybe make time to watch the video ‘what are you saying to yourself, because you are listening’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEqa1u-i5MM&list=PLZDRz-3TzZ0xbqFKiecy5ZZSm8P6z-NIY&index=2
Change your expectations, if you usually feel things are pretty pointless and will fail try shifting your viewpoint to one where you think, ok, this is maybe going to be hard work but great once I get there.
Remember, we have habits and routines and it’s how we change these, which takes time and perseverance, but if it matters to you, you can often achieve more than you realise.
Point for reflection
What matters to me which will keep me motivated to adopt new routines to achieve my goal/s?
Sometimes we find it hard to get motivated to achieve new goals as we feel we do not have the energy as we are dealing with so many other challenges and problems. Next time we will explore some ideas for problem solving. These do not replace professional advice but may help a wee bit. Till then, look after yourself and remember, you do matter
Ps we have noticed one of our most visited resources is around tips to reduce doom scrolling https://www.snowdropargyll.co.uk/resources/tips-to-avoid-doom-scrolling