Alexandre Lefevre Have you ever reached the point where you wonder why you never achieve your goals? You know, that moment when you tell yourself something is wrong, but you can’t quite put your finger on it? Well, I’m going to let you in on a secret: often, it’s you and especially your habits that are to blame. Yes, I know, it stings a bit to hear that, but rest assured, we’re going to see together how to change this and finally reach your goals. Spoiler alert: it starts with small daily actions.
Habits that Sabotage Your Efforts
1. Procrastination: the number one enemy
You probably know the saying “don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” Easy to say, right? In reality, procrastination is probably one of the biggest obstacles preventing you from moving forward. When you keep postponing things, you enter a vicious circle where nothing gets done, and your goal remains out of reach. The vicious part about procrastination is that it gives you the illusion that you have all the time in the world to act… until you run out of time altogether.
Tip: Set small tasks for yourself every day. Even if it’s just one thing, it will get you closer to your goal. A great way to fight procrastination is the 78-hour rule: if you don’t act within 78 hours of making a decision, there’s a good chance you’ll never do it. So go ahead, it’s now or never!
2. Paralyzing perfectionism
You might think that in order to succeed, everything needs to be perfect, that every detail must be precise, that nothing can be out of place. Well, bad news: this perfectionism can paralyze you. By constantly seeking perfection, you keep postponing action, and in the end, you accomplish nothing. It’s a bit like waiting to be perfectly ready before starting… but that moment never comes.
Tip: Adopt the mindset of “Done is better than perfect.” It’s better to move forward with an imperfect project than to stagnate in the quest for unreachable perfection.
3. Setting too many goals at once
You start the year with a head full of resolutions: quit smoking, start exercising, read a book a week, eat healthily… But setting too many goals at once is like wanting to climb several mountains at the same time. It’s exhausting and demoralizing.
Tip: Prioritize. Choose one or two main goals and focus on them. Once you achieve those goals, you can add new ones. Otherwise, you risk scattering your efforts and never fully accomplishing anything.
4. Not breaking down your goals
If your goal seems immense, there’s a good chance you’ll quickly feel overwhelmed and give up before you even start. What often lacks is a breakdown of the goal into smaller, more digestible steps.
Concrete example: If your goal is to lose 10 kilos, don’t focus on losing all 10 kilos at once. Aim first to lose 2, then 3, and so on. It’s much more motivating and allows you to see results more quickly.
| Big mistake | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Not breaking down tasks | Divide your goal into small clear steps |
| Procrastination | Act within 78 hours of deciding |
| Too many goals at once | Focus on a maximum of one or two goals |
How to Take Control of Your Habits
1. The 5 Whys Method
This technique is quite simple but ultra-effective. Ask yourself “why” five times in a row to get to the heart of the matter and understand your deep motivations. For example, if you want to get back to exercising, ask yourself:
- Why do I want to exercise? (Because I want to be fit.)
- Why do I want to be fit? (Because I want to be more energetic.)
- Why do I want to be more energetic? (Because I often feel tired.)
- Why do I feel tired? (Because I’m not taking care of my health.)
- Why am I not taking care of my health? (Because I don’t have good habits.)
Do you see where this leads? This method allows you to truly understand the root of your actions (or inaction) and correct the course.
2. The 78-Hour Rule
As mentioned earlier, this rule prompts you to act quickly. The principle is simple: if you want to achieve a goal, act within 78 hours of making a decision. After this period, enthusiasm wanes, and procrastination takes over. So whether you decide to change your eating habits or embark on a new activity, do something now to get started.
3. Break down to avoid feeling overwhelmed
We’ve already talked about this, but it’s so important it deserves its own section. For every big goal, think about breaking it down into several smaller ones. Do you want to start your own business? Start by creating your website. Once the site is up, focus on creating content, then on finding clients. Each step brings you closer to your goal without making you feel overwhelmed by the size of the task.
Integrating New Habits for Lasting Results
Now that you understand what’s blocking you and how to address it, it’s time to take action. Here are some tips for ensuring your new habits naturally integrate into your daily life.
1. Create a daily tracking plan
Note your progress. Whether it’s in a notebook or through an app, simply tracking your progress will motivate you to continue. It’s a way to hold yourself accountable and ensure you’re moving in the right direction.
2. Surround yourself with a supportive environment
Your environment plays a huge role in your ability to achieve your goals. If you want to lose weight, get rid of tempting foods in your cupboards. If you want to be more productive, create a dedicated workspace without distractions.
There you go, you now have all the tools you need to transform your habits and finally reach your goals. Remember that change doesn’t happen overnight, but with regular small actions, you will see consistent progress. So, are you ready to take action?
Share this article with your friends who need a little boost, and if you’re looking for more practical tips, check out our other guides. We’re here to support you!
