Can you compare the solidity of water with a rock? That would be absurd. However, if a tiny waterdrop keeps tricking with regular consistency, it can poke a hole through the stone. The keyword here is CONSISTENCY.
No matter how big or enormous the task ahead of you, if you can keep working on it with consistency, nothing can keep you from success. When it comes to achieving your dreams, there is more to it than just being consistent. If you find it challenging to adhere to a singular path, here are a few time-tested habits of the productive people to help you out on your journey:
1. Know what you want.
Have you stood behind an indecisive person in a coffee line? It is not only frustrating for everyone in the queue, but the person gets soaked and embarrassed himself too. There are many delicious opportunities that life will present. But, if you don’t know what you want, you can’t move ahead. It is your life, and you know yourself better than anyone else. Sit down, relax, and think about what you want first. Until you have a clear idea about your goals, you will remain indecisive and lost.
After all,
“Life is always only one decision away from being completely different.”
2. Make a plan.
People find it easier to express their feelings when they wrote it down. Working towards your dreams may invoke many strange emotions like fear, anxiety, problems, excuses, excitement, etc. Instead of thinking, put it to a paper. Make a list, write an essay, keep a journal, or update your current schedule. Whatever is most productive for you. When you write things down, you will automatically have a solid plan. You will be able to rationalize your ideas and extinguish them between real and fabricated drawbacks.
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”
3. Mark your time.
You know what you want, and you have a plan, but you don’t have a timeline. If you don’t get a salary at the end of the month, all your holiday plans crumble into dust. Just like that, you need to have a realistic deadline to complete your goals. Divide your project into smaller portions and assign a reasonable time to each. When you fail, start over. Eventually, your brain will adapt, and you will be able to move forward.
“The bad news is time flies; the good news is you’re the pilot.” (Michael Altshuler)
4. Block diversions:
The biggest roadblock between you and your dreams is YOU. When you cannot get rid of procrastination and motivate yourself to work, you are working against yourself. Don’t just think about it, get up, and take action. Delete your social media apps or throw out all your snacks. Make it count.
“One of these days is none of these days.”
5. Follow the 10-minutes rule.
Your mind gets accustomed to certain habits over time. It takes 55-60 days to form a new habit. Are you failing to adhere to your new regime? Don’t worry. It is a part of your psychology. The best way to start is to follow the 10-minutes rule. Convince yourself to work for 10-minutes and then keep adding up the numbers with each passing day.
“Take action. An inch of movement will bring you closer to your goals than a mile of intention.”
6. Take breaks:
The horses need at least two days rest after running a marathon. Give yourself some time off to refresh and replenish. Even machines need proper maintenance from time to time. If you work seven days a week, take a day off. If you work 24 hours a day, take 12 hours to sleep, eat, exercise, and socialize.
“It’s alright to take a break, just don’t quit.”
7. Set up small rewards.
Setting up small rewards is a great way to reinforce your psychology to work towards your goals. A little treat for your dog when it doesn’t spoil your carpet works pretty well in the long run. It should also work for you. Take a cheat day or get yourself something nice. When you do well, you deserve it.
“To stay motivated, reward yourself for the small victories in your mind.”
8. Get a support system.
You are uncomfortable sharing your dreams with your friends and family because it is a very different idea. That’s natural. If you want to be successful, you have to find like-minded people to find a sense of belonging and find support. Surround yourself with people who are on the same mission as you.
“If you want to go fast, go alone if you want to go further, go together.”
More usual than often, the idea of achieving your dreams may seem like an impossible task. It would help if you were prepared for failures and dare to start again. The key is to believe in yourself.