The next time you make goal, focus it into a rule to make it easier to accomplish. Creating a specific rule that’s easy to follow gives you an actionable step that helps you build — and keep — momentum.
Image from stewc.
Making your goal into a rule gives you something to guide your actions when your resolve or energy is flagging. Leo Babauta, of Zen Habits, has a few examples (the goal is in bold, followed by the rule.)
- Read more: When it’s 9:30 p.m., I turn off the computer, get ready for bed, and read my book.
- Run a marathon: When my alarm goes off at 6 a.m., go out and do my run for today. Or stretch if it’s a rest day.
- Lose weight: 1) When it’s breakfast, eat oats, cinnamon and berries. 2) When it’s lunch or dinner, eat black beans, brown rice, veggies, salsa and guacamole. 3) If I’m hungry in between, eat apples, carrots, or plain nuts. 4) Drink only tea or water, except a cup of coffee to start the day.
- Be more mindful: When I wake up, I pee, drink a glass of water, then meditate for five minutes.
This method is pretty simple, but that actually works in its favour. When I tried this, my goal was “run more”. I made a rule that when I got home from work, I’d put on my running gear. I didn’t think about the run or anything beyond this one rule, but it worked because once I had my gear on, I felt mentally ready to go for a run, even if I was tired. Setting boundaries like these help you make reaching your goals part of your routine, as well as give you a specific action to perform. For more details, check out the link below.
Instead of Goals or Resolutions, Try Creating Rules [Zen Habits]
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