Keep the Hustle Going Even if it Seems Impossible
Have you ever wanted something so much, but it seems like no matter how hard you work, you’re just not making any progress? I’m guessing you answered yes – I know I did! At one point or another we are all faced with something that keeps challenging us and seems like we’re never going to make it. In fact, in my life, I can count SEVERAL times that I felt like I wasn’t going to make it. School, work promotion, weight loss, running a marathon, and starting a business….just to name a few! Although I was challenged and faced tremendous obstacles, I persevered and accomplished each goal that I set. It wasn’t easy, and it definitely wasn’t quick, but it was worth it. Through each of my experiences, I have learned several valuable life lessons that keep me going even when it gets hard. So whatever you’re working for, the following lessons are likely to help you to find the heart to hustle and reach your goals.
1. Remember the “why.”
Why do you want to make a change? Are you doing it to make more money, improve your health, be your own boss, boost your self-confidence? Whatever the change is that you’re wanting to make, there’s clearly a “why” behind it. That “why” is going to be one of your main motivators that you’re going to call on when your tank is on empty and you feel like giving up. Keep that “why” at the forefront of your mind throughout your entire journey. It’ll be tough, but here’s a couple of things you can do:
- Write your “why” on post-it notes and put them in places you’ll see daily, and some not so daily places (i.e. – on your bathroom mirror, on your refrigerator, visor in your car, inside cabinet doors).
- Put your “why” on your phone and computer as your background.
- Set reminders in your calendar to pop up on random days.
- Write yourself an email (or several) and schedule them with Boomerang to be sent at a later date.
2. Set small goals.
When you have such a lofty, big goal of getting a Master’s degree, running a marathon, or starting a business, of course it’s going to seem impossible! These things are HUGE! So to stay motivated, set small goals that will ultimately lead to your larger goal. Take one semester at a time in school, run a 5k, set deadlines for having papers filed for your business… Whatever your main objective is, find a way to break it down in to smaller, more manageable goals to make it a little easier to stay motivated. To effectively set goals, make sure they are written in SMART format.
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Realistic
- Timely
An example of a goal written in SMART format is: I will run a 5k by the end of July. Pretty simple, right? 🙂
3. Celebrate the small wins.
As you’re working towards your big goal, be sure to celebrate the small wins and each smaller goal you’ve been able to check off the list. There are literally an infinite number of ways you can celebrate your achievements, so be sure to pick something that’s going to be a motivator for you. Ultimately, that’s the point of rewarding yourself for reaching significant milestones on your journey to accomplish your large goal. Some examples of some rewards you might consider are:
- Running shoes
- New hair style
- Dinner at a new restaurant
- Blogging class
- New Outfit
4. Find an accountability partner.
Goals can be hard to accomplish if you’re working towards them alone, so fine an accountability partner…or a few! When you talk about your goals and can get excited about them with someone else, they become far more realistic. Your accountability partner can help you celebrate your small wins and will be a constant source of positivity and encouragement. Accountability partners are also awesome because often times they can see the effort that you’re putting in to something and can often recognize even small successes that you’re having while you’re in the midst of considering giving up! This skill alone makes accountability partners invaluable! So grab your spouse, parent, or best friend and get to work!
Free Goal Setting Worksheet
What tips do you have that help you find the heart to hustle?
