When we have big goals, whether they are weight loss goals, business goals, performance goals, or career goals, I noticed that there is a pattern that applies to achieve them all.

It's no secret that I struggled with my weight for years and years: Up and down, down and up. It was a real conflict in my life until I cracked the code of a balanced and sustainable healthy lifestyle. Once it clicked for me, I was able to sustain my weight loss easily. I realized that when we aren't achieving our goals, there is either a gap in knowledge or a gap in behavior. There's something you don't know yet or something you're not doing (or both). 

I was listening to a podcast about succeeding in the fitness business because right now, a successful coaching and personal training business is my goal. I noticed a parallel line between achieving business goals and fitness goals and realized these principles that were discussed in the context of business apply to most anything we try to accomplish, including weight loss and fitness performance goals.

Some people have been successful in business and can apply these same concepts to their health and fitness goals. I've been successful in fitness and realize I can take the same principles that worked for me in the past and apply them in my business.

10 Truths of Goal Achievement

1. PROGRESS WON'T BE LINEAR

There will be ups and downs along the way, expect it. Be ready for it. Some people get devastated by dips in progress or plateau in weight loss and quit before they see results when it is all part of the process. Know that it's coming and you won't be surprised by it. Keep moving forward.

2. THERE IS NO SHORTCUT TO SUCCESS

It seems everyone is selling the magic pill. It's a money maker because we all want it, the shortcut to success. That ad on Facebook or email marketing campaign that is selling the result you want? Always keep in mind that the only magic pill is your will. If you waste time chasing the shortcuts, it takes you further from your goals. No matter what you are trying to achieve, you have to put in the work. 

3. IT WILL BE HARD; IF IT WAS EASY IT WOULDN'T BE MEANINGFUL

Nothing worth achieving comes easy. It's the struggle that makes it that much more meaningful once accomplished. If you expect it to be easy or without failures, you'll be disappointed or overwhelmed. Use the tough experiences to build mental strength and resiliency. Overcoming the hardship is part of the process. 

4. TRUST YOUR ABILITY TO FIGURE THINGS OUT ALONG THE WAY

We can never know everything. It's advisable to do your research and be prepared, but you will never truly learn until you start to take action. We sometimes are paralyzed by information: read another blog post, take another course, buy another book., listen to another podcast. You can never consume all the information available. Sometimes a better strategy begins with the first small action to see where that leads you. Trust in your ability to figure things out along the way. You are a smart, capable human who can do hard things, look at the hard things you have figured out in your life so far.

5. SEEK SUPPORT OF YOUR COMMUNITY / PAY ATTENTION TO WHO CLAPS WHEN YOU WIN

Surround yourself with people who can support you in your goals, whether it's for advice, help or moral support. Pay attention to who claps when you win and more importantly, who doesn't. It's easier than ever to find people on the same path as you. Look for people ahead of you for guidance, people in the same place as you for support and people behind you that you can help. No struggle is unique. Together we can achieve anything. If you need assistance, ask. A mentor, support group or coach can help. 

6. CELEBRATE SMALL WINS

When we have big goals, the finish line is far away (and spoiler alert: there is no finish line), so we need to remember to celebrate the small wins along the way. Set small attainable goals on your journey to success. We can't control the outcome of most situations, but we can control our actions and the process we follow. DId you workout four days this week and eat protein at every meal? Win. 

7. THINK/ACT LIKE THE PERSON YOU WANT TO BECOME

When faced with a choice try to think and act like the person you want to become. In a weight loss scenario, one might pass on the dessert, or not skip a workout because that's what their inner-buff-self would do. In business, it might be to pick up the phone to make a connection with a local business owner. Think bigger than your current state. WWFMD? (what would future me do?).

8. YOUR ENVIRONMENT MATTERS

Set yourself up for success by setting up your environment for success. Make it easy to make the right choice and inconvenient to make bad decisions. Surround yourself with the people, places, and activities that bring out your best self on your way to achieving your goals.

9. GET COMFORTABLE WITH SUCKING/BEING UNCOMFORTABLE

We aren't born perfect. Not even me, shocking, I know. (jokes!) When we make changes in our lives, try new experiences, meet new people, learn new skills, sometimes (usually), we suck at it. It's normal. Everyone sucks in the beginning. Keep going when it's uncomfortable, that's a good sign that you're on the right track. 

10. HABITS MATTER MORE THAN MOTIVATION

Start to build habits around the behaviors you want to model. Motivation wanes, inspiration fades, and willpower is fleeting. Habits are ingrained. It takes time to develop the habits, but it's time well-invested. Habits are the secret weapon to goal achievement. When you don't have motivation, inspiration or willpower, habits take over. If you are intentional about your habits, success comes naturally. What daily actions do you need to take to reach your big goals? 

I love to write about the topics that are meaningful to me and to help you along your path to success. I've been building my coaching, training and blogging business and as they say, when you teach, you learn. So tell me, what would you like me to write about? How can I help you? 

Did you like this post? Know someone who might benefit? It helps me when you share with your friends and followers. 

Coach Lea