How Mindfulness Can Get You Closer to Your Goals

Rebecca Lewis September 04, 2013

What if you stop for a moment and set aside your worries and fears, let go of the pain and sadness of your yesterday, and immersed yourself entirely in the present? Would it not give you the energy, motivation and courage to face the challenge that’s on your way and make you one step closer to your dreams?

How many times have you told yourself that you are going to be productive for the entire week but still end up doing less and not completing your goals? How may self-help books on time management, willpower and the like have you read to motivate yourself to work harder, get rid of distraction and procrastination, and perform your best? Turns out, there’s an easier and more effective way to help you stay on track towards reaching your goals – live mindfully.

But how do you incorporate mindfulness in your daily life, especially in your journey towards your dreams? Here are some steps to follow:

Focus on the moment.

Emotions come and go. You may be feeling sad and down at this very moment but it doesn’t mean you will be stuck there forever. Directly focusing on your thoughts and feelings in the moment gives you a sense of them as a transient or momentary experience. By facing and accepting the changes in your emotions, you will realise that negative feelings are not going to kill you. Instead of avoiding them, you will learn how to experience them as they rise and fall in your body.

Separate yourself from your thoughts.

Just because you think you are a ‘loser’ or a ‘nobody’ doesn’t mean you really are one. Living mindfully includes separating yourself from your thoughts and feelings as they do not define your personality and potential. Although your thoughts may seem true, they are not actually accurate because they have already been influenced by your past experiences and self-definition. Never allow your thoughts and feelings to determine you behaviour. Again, they are just passing thoughts that sooner or later will disappear.

Commit to take specific steps, one at a time.

One key to reaching your goals is to act now, starting with small, specific steps. Consider taking chances and risks. Being successful doesn’t mean living a pain-free life but living a full life despite of challenges. Every day, do something that contributes to reaching your goals.

Accept who you are now.

Acceptance means being willing to experience the present moment even if it isn’t the one you have chosen. Nonetheless, it doesn’t take away the opportunity to change for the better. Acceptance is necessary for change because it helps you recognise your shortcomings and weaknesses. Once you have acknowledged all these things, you can commit to taking small steps to get rid of unhealthy habits and emotions that prevent you from reaching your goals.