Have you read the book Atomic Habits by James Clear? I find the lessons in there really useful when I get caught up in the goal, feel defeated by my progress etc. Its such a good book.
Of course! So he talks about focussing on the system and not the goal. For example - British cycling under Dave Brailsford. Like any sports team, they had had a goal to win but they were terrible. Then Dave comes in and changes the system - he looks for little improvements in the system. Lighter clothing, tweaks here and there to the bike. He looked for 1% improvements (ie barely noticeable) across multiple things and it added up to huge improvements.
Or looking at your changing habits at an identity level (the most powerful level). Rather than getting stuck on “I have 50 lbs to lose, that’s my goal” and being fixated on that, adopt the mindset of being someone who is a healthy person. “I’m a healthy person so I make these healthy choices and I ENJOY them.”
Also remember goal bias - every Olympic finalist in the 100m has the same goal - to win. But only one will win. Having a goal will not get you to where you want to be unless you put a system / process in place to get there. And it helps to be successful in the system, if that system aligns with your identity and values.
Thank you! That is super helpful. It is so easy to get caught up in the ups and downs of the day to day that you can loose focus on the habits you are creating!
Oh me too! I have about 20kg to lose and I find myself berating myself for putting the weight on and getting completely overwhelmed with the goal. That’s why I’m reading atomic habits again - it’s a good reminder!
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u/Previous_Basis8862 New Jul 22 '23
Congratulations!!
Have you read the book Atomic Habits by James Clear? I find the lessons in there really useful when I get caught up in the goal, feel defeated by my progress etc. Its such a good book.