I remember, as a teacher, what I did when I didn't reach my goals, I scoured the data, analyzed the teaching, consulted experts via conversations and research, and then rerouted the efforts. I was typically pleased with the the progress that resulted after efforts like that. One aspect of that success is that I was working with a talented, dedicated team who shared those goals with me, the camaraderie was vital in that success.
Now, as I review goals, more personal, that I'm working on, I am finding that I need to rethink and redirect my actions as I'm not pleased with the progress to date. What more can I do?
Incremental steps
Sometimes when we aim to meet a goal, our first steps are too big thus unsuccessful. To reach a goal, incremental steps are essential.
Psychology
Often we have psychological barriers that prevent us from reaching our goals. At school, I trusted in my students' ability to learn, and that helped me a lot to help them achieve, but sometimes I don't have the same trust in my own ability to reach a substantial goal. I need to coach myself with that in mind. We have to identify and break down the psychological barriers that keep us from our goals.
Old habits
There's a phrase, old habits die hard, and that is a true phrase. Many of our deeply ingrained habits that may need to change in order to reach a goal are challenging to change. It's important to think deeply about what those habits are and what you can do to deconstruct those habits.
Realistic, positive routine
We can imagine ourselves completely changing our routines, but if our dreams are too lofty, we may never reach that new routine, the kind of routine that helps us reach our goals.
I was quite good at reaching goals that had to do with teaching or parenting, but am less successful with more personal goals. This is something I want to examine, think about, and change. Let's see what's ahead.