Keeping your goals alive for longer

As we approach the end of January, it's a fact that many of us will have given up on our New Year's resolutions already.

So why don't we stick to our goals in life?

Professor Ewan Gillon, Clinical Director of First Psychology Scotland, believes that we can become demoralised when our one change doesn't lead to a change in our whole life.

"People often believe that when they change one thing, it will 'fix' other parts of their lives too. They may not even realise they have this belief, but people who think like this, often give up when the greater gains don't materialise." 

Ewan believes that thinking through why we are setting a particular goal and what we hope to get out of it, is important to sticking to new behaviours.

For example, if you want to lose weight, it may be that you associate being slimmer with a better social life, or wearing more fashionable clothes, or it may be that you really hope to be healthier, fitter and more energetic.

"Whatever your reasons for wanting to lose weight, they are likely to be greater than simple weight loss, so it's important to think about the wider picture and what else you can do to improve these things", says Ewan. 

Ewan suggests that someone whose goal is to be fitter and healthier, should be careful to introduce an exercise plan as well as dieting, while someone who wants to improve their social life, might join a new club or take up a new hobby in addition to their weight loss plans.

"This way of tackling goals by looking at what you really want to achieve, stops you focusing on a single element of your goal and improves your overall chances of success", says Ewan.

<h2>Achieving your goals with professional support</h2>
If you're looking to achieve a goal in life and feel you would benefit from professional support, coaching can provide the support and techniques to help you succeed. For more about coaching, visit our coaching page >