Smarter Goals. Sharper Mind. Fewer Excuses

There is a lot of material to consume around this question. My take is the most effective self-improvement strategy is built on your ability to identify and build on your identity-based habits. Simply goal setting has never worked for me and the research suggests I am not alone. Clarity of who you want to become and then aligning your habits to that identity is where real growth is derived. James Clear’s research and amazing book Atomic Habits leans to this approach, is a must read in my view and really has helped me to create lasting positive behavioural change.

The key here for success is to design yourself frictionless systems. There are plenty to look and worth exploring to see what works best for you. Consider techniques such as habit stacking, design of your environment and set up some clear cue-based triggers to ensure consistency of habits. Do not aim for too much at once. You are far better off completing small consistent actions than just aiming for a huge jump.

Some journal prompts below are offered for ideas to get you started, but these can develop over time:

Journaling is something that seems to have risen in popularity in recent years. This, along with habit tracking and weekly reflection can certainly help. Completing Morning Pages as Julia Cameron favours may work for you. I personally prefer an everyday notebook to keep track of everything in one place. Whilst it lacks some structure, it offers clarity of mind and stops me wandering about too many things at the same time; therefore allowing clarity of which, by now, you will have realised I am a big advocate of.

SMART goals are a popular place people start with. Specific | Measurable | Achievable | Relevant | Timely

We have all asked this question at some point. Reframing procrastination into a motivation clarity problem can help. Do not just sit around waiting for inspiration. Instead, simplify your objective and write down a clear next step that you need to take. Reduce distractions, put your phone away or at least on DND and set a 5 minute timer. Try to start before you feel ready, rather than waiting. Just taking this first step is hugely beneficial.

Everyone’s journey is different. I look at this as a life-long process; but major changes can happen in 30 – 90 days if you are consistent. Looking for overnight wins is not the game to play; we are looking for sustainable growth and long term benefits.

I love reading and some of you will too. Reading helps but action matters more. I have fallen into the “consumption trap” personally; constantly learning new frameworks and ideas but not focusing on implementation. Try to choose one strategy, implement it, reflect on it and iterate based off your discoveries.