Maybe you’re always promising yourself or other people that this time, everything will be different.
You’re going to stick to that diet, finish that project, or finally call your mum back. But then life happens, and those commitments start to feel more like wishful thinking. If you’re someone who struggles to follow through, you’re definitely not alone, but that doesn’t make it right. Here are some hacks you can try that might just help you turn those promises into reality.
1. Break the big stuff down into smaller, easier to manage chunks.
Looking at a huge goal can be downright overwhelming. It’s like trying to eat a whole cake in one bite—not gonna happen. Instead, slice it up into smaller, more manageable pieces. Break that massive project into daily tasks, or tackle that gym goal one workout at a time. Each small win will give you a sense of accomplishment and momentum, making the overall goal seem less daunting. Instead of focusing on the end result, keep your eye on the next step.
2. Celebrate every win, no matter how small.
Don’t wait until the finish line to pat yourself on the back. Celebrate every step along the way, even if it’s just crossing off a task on your to-do list. This positive reinforcement will keep you motivated and excited about the journey. It makes the whole process more enjoyable and rewarding. Remember, it’s the little things that add up to big results.
3. Identify and eliminate distractions.
Distractions are everywhere, from that pinging phone to the siren song of social media. If you’re struggling to focus, it’s time to take control. Put your phone on silent, close those extra browser tabs, or even find a quiet workspace. You’re essentially creating a zen zone for your brain where it can actually concentrate on the task at hand. Once you eliminate those pesky distractions, you’ll be amazed at how much you can actually accomplish.
4. Set realistic expectations for yourself.
Don’t set yourself up for failure by aiming for the impossible. Be honest about your time, energy, and resources. If you only have an hour to spare, don’t try to cram in a four-hour task. If you’re feeling exhausted, it’s okay to take a break and come back to it later. It’s important to choose the right path. You don’t want to pick one that’s too steep or too long for your current fitness level, so to speak. Start small and gradually increase the challenge as you build your stamina.
5. Find an accountability buddy or group.
Having someone to cheer you on and keep you on track can make a world of difference. Find a friend, family member, or even an online community who shares your goals. Check in with each other regularly, share your progress, and offer encouragement. You’re less likely to skip out on your commitment when you know someone is relying on you. Plus, it’s way more fun to celebrate your wins (and commiserate over your struggles) with someone who gets it.
6. Make your commitments fun and enjoyable.
If you dread doing something, you’re probably not going to stick with it for long. Find ways to make your commitments more enjoyable. Listen to music while you clean, reward yourself with a treat after completing a task, or find a creative way to approach a boring project. When you actually enjoy what you’re doing, you’re more likely to stick with it in the long run.
7. Give yourself permission to fail and learn from your mistakes.
Don’t beat yourself up if you slip up. Everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them and keep moving forward. If you miss a deadline, figure out what went wrong and how you can avoid it in the future. If you fall off the wagon, don’t give up on your diet—just get back on track. Much like falling off a bike, you get back on, brush yourself off, and keep pedalling. Remember, failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of the journey.
8. Set reminders and alarms.
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. If you have a tendency to forget things or lose track of time, set reminders and alarms. Use your phone, calendar, or even sticky notes to remind yourself of important deadlines or tasks. It’s like having a personal assistant who keeps you organised and on schedule. Don’t underestimate the power of a little nudge. It can be just what you need to stay on top of your commitments.
9. Say “no” more often.
It’s okay to say no to requests or commitments that don’t align with your goals or priorities. Don’t overextend yourself trying to please everyone. Be honest about your limitations, and don’t be afraid to turn down things that you don’t have the time or energy for. Decluttering your schedule means getting rid of the excess so you can focus on what truly matters. Saying no can be liberating, and it frees up your time and energy for the things that truly matter to you.
10. Track your progress and reward yourself.
Keeping track of your progress can be a great motivator. Whether it’s a daily to-do list, a habit tracker, or a journal, find a system that works for you. Seeing how far you’ve come can be incredibly inspiring and give you the push you need to keep going. And don’t forget to reward yourself for your hard work! It could be a relaxing bath, a night out with friends, or a new book. Rewards make the journey more enjoyable and reinforce positive behaviour.
11. Identify your peak performance times.
We all have times of day when we’re naturally more productive and focused. Figure out when you’re at your best and schedule your most important tasks for those times. If you’re a morning person, tackle that big project first thing. If you’re a night owl, save your creative work for the evening. You’re working with the flow of your energy, rather than against it. By aligning your tasks with your natural rhythms, you can get more done in less time and feel less stressed in the process.
12. Break the rules and find what works for you.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to keeping commitments. What works for one person might not work for another. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Maybe you need to set multiple alarms, or perhaps you need to work in short bursts with frequent breaks. The key is to be flexible and adaptable. You’re finding your own recipe for success here. You might have to tweak it along the way, but eventually, you’ll find the perfect combination of ingredients that helps you achieve your goals.
