5 Tips for reaching your goals outside of work
When we think about goals, our minds automatically go to our jobs. We set career goals and we track our success at work without questioning it. This is likely true even if you work for yourself or are your own boss. We dedicate enough time and energy into our jobs - but what else are we working on?
What goals have you set for yourself outside of work? What are you working towards for yourself?
As humans, we thrive off having dynamic lives. We should never feel stuck and we should always be growing as individuals. So why don’t we treat our personal goals outside of work the same way we do our careers goals? I’m not suggesting we give ourselves quarterly reviews or salary adjustments, but I do believe we can greatly benefit from truly setting goals for ourselves to help us follow through with the things we’re passionate about. Goals don’t have to be a daunting accountability method, but can instead be incredibly motivating. Here are a few tips for crushing those non-work-related goals.
1. Get in a routine.
We’ve all attempted to get back into a workout routine after being out of one, so I won’t go into why this one is so difficult - we’ve all been there and we know that this is the hardest part. Once you get in the groove of things, though, it can be so incredibly motivating. When you’re in the routine of working on something you enjoy, it makes your everyday life better. You’ll feel more fulfilled because you will be dedicating some time to exploring one of your passions. And once you’re in the routine of it, it will become something you look forward to rather than something you’re squeezing into your busy schedule.
2. Find the physical space to work towards it.
This is a trick I only recently figured out and trust me, it can make all the difference. We often worry so much about making time for things, or finding the right headspace, that we sometimes forget about the physical space. Our personal goals need space to come to life and be fulfilled. In fact, as I write this, I’m on my deck. I left my phone inside and I’m enjoying fresh air in a space I don’t dedicate to something else. Rather than being on the couch, on my bed, or at the dinner table, I’ve given myself physical space to work towards my goals. Maybe you have an office, a gym, a coffee shop, or another space, but wherever it is, give yourself a physical space where you can dedicate yourself to your goals in a place that is inspiring, comfortable, enjoyable, and productive.
3. Make it something you love
This might seem obvious, but it’s not always as simple as it sounds. The truth is, we often take things on because we feel as though we need to do it all. Not because we want to or because it’s something we truly want to do, but because either we don’t want others to think we can’t or we’re afraid of saying “no.” When it comes to those personal goals, set them for something you truly want to do. Sure, try new things you’re unsure about and take on things you don’t know you’ll stick with, but save the goal setting for your passions and work towards something you truly care about.
4. Get support from those around you
At work, you likely have a team. Whether you’re working toward a team goal or a personal goal, you (hopefully) have people there to rally around you, bounce ideas off of, motivate you, hold you accountable, and lend support. You should have those same benefits when working towards goals outside of work. Get a tribe around you, whether it’s a group of familiar faces at your gym, your roommates, a club you’re a part of, or your Empower Collective meet-up group, and let them in on your goals. Leverage those around you to help you get where you want to go and do the same for them.
5. Reward yourself
Reward yourself just like you would congratulate a friend if they crushed a goal. You already work hard at work, which makes those accomplishments outside of work even more satisfying. Soak it up and celebrate the wins, whether they were a small feat or a big milestone.