How Apps Revolutionized Goal Setting

The Internet changed the world. Suddenly, instant access and connectivity to knowledge around the world was possible. Smartphones have brought the power of personal computers, laptops, and internet connectivity into our pockets. 

 

The rise of smartphones has given birth to a plethora of applications, each designed to cater to our unique needs and interests. These apps, adaptable to both mobile phones and tablets, can be downloaded and used even without an internet connection. This adaptability ensures that there's a perfect app out there for everyone, making goal-setting more accessible and convenient than ever before.

 

Goal-setting apps have been instrumental in helping individuals achieve their goals. These apps provide structure, reminders, and progress tracking to keep you accountable and motivated throughout your journey.

 

With the majority of us carrying our smartphones at all times, the power to set and pursue our goals is just a few taps away. This convenience puts you in the driver's seat, empowering you to take control of your aspirations with ease.

 

Repeated Conscious Actions Become Unconscious Habits

 

The subconscious part of your incredible mind influences 90% to 95% of your experience. Your conscience handles the rest. As you can see, your conscious brain is not nearly as capable as your subconscious.

 

So, when your subconscious notices you consciously repeating a process or action, it takes control. It tells your conscience, "I've got this. I will put this on autopilot so you can spend your limited abilities elsewhere."

 

How can you use this natural, programmable feature of your mind to help you achieve your goals? Here's a step-by-step guide: 

• Step 1: Download one of the following six apps to the home screen of your mobile phone or tablet: Habitica, DONE, Strides, Way of Life, GoalsOnTrack, ClickUp.

• Step 2: Set a schedule and consciously access the app simultaneously each day.

• Step 3: Use the app's features to track your progress.

• Step 4: Over time, this will become an unconscious habit that will lead you to success.

 

ClickUp has a wonderful feature that some other goal-setting apps don't. It lets you set your goals and then break them down into smaller, achievable targets that are easier to track. Strides has an easy-to-use interface and offers daily reminders to take action, progress reports, and other nice features. 

 

GoalsOnTrack is available for desktop PCs and mobile devices. It's great for breaking large, ambitious goals into smaller steps. It works on the SMART goal framework, which means that goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. This framework ensures that you have clear and realistic goals and a specific completion timeline, increasing your chances of success.

 

Habitica turns goals into a game. Your goals become quests, presenting productivity-crushing bad habits as monsters to be defeated. Way of Life helps you create individualized daily habits and provides graphs to track your progress over weeks, months, and years.

 

If you're still striving to achieve your dreams, it's time to harness the power of technology. By consciously using a goal-setting app every day, you're not just setting goals-you're paving the way for a transformative subconscious habit that propels you towards your desired success. This potential for transformation should fill you with hope and optimism.

 

Navigating Goal Setting in a Distracted World

To have a plan is not just a tool to overcome disturbances and distractions; it's a source of empowerment. A plan gives you focus, a tangible reference point that provides direction and purpose. When something demands your attention and your vision strays, your plan is there to guide you back. It's a powerful tool that keeps you on your path in control of your journey. 

 

Consider this as your set of marching orders. It's not just a plan but a roadmap to your success. You've outlined what you need to do and how you need to do it, and have even identified potential barriers. This isn't just a mental exercise; it's a tangible process you should write down. It's the second crucial step in our six-step process for setting and achieving goals in a busy, hectic, and distracting world.

 

1. Clearly Define Your Goal

 

Please be specific about what you want. The more specific you are, the better. 

You should be willing to work tirelessly on your goal, even in the face of distractions, a busy schedule, or a lack of motivation. You must be willing to make sacrifices to achieve it.

 

2. Handwrite Your Goal and a Deadline

 

Writing out something important to you by hand activates your reticular activating system (RAS). It works behind your conscious involvement to find relevant information. 

It then communicates with your conscious mind, and you take action. You begin to recognize goal-relevant opportunities you otherwise may have missed. Include a specific deadline for achievement.

 

3. List the Benefits and Obstacles

 

Review and list every possible benefit of accomplishing your goal. Then, brainstorm and imagine what obstacles you may face along the way.

 

4. Develop an Action Plan

 

Use the information you have assembled so far and draw up a game plan for action. Turn your big goal into a series of small goals, and celebrate when you hit each milestone.

 

5. Employ Visualization and Affirmations

 

Visualize living in a world where you have already achieved your goal. Imagine all of the emotions and activate all of your senses. Then, practice daily affirmations and positive statements that reaffirm your visualization of a dream achieved.

 

6. Take Daily Action Regardless of Your Situation

 

Life will get busy, motivation will lag, and unexpected problems will arise. It would help if you took daily action to achieve a big goal. When distractions threaten your progress, please return to your written action plan and let it focus your energy.

 

Self-Care's Role in Modern-Day Goal Setting

The demands of modern life are complex and constant. Many of us deal with electronic disturbances and distractions most of our day. Remote location employment is more common than ever, affecting our socialization skills. Political, economic, and cultural change can happen quickly.

 

These and other factors can derail your path to goal achievement, reminding us that we do not always control important influences. However, one thing you do have control over is how you take care of yourself. By prioritizing self-care, you empower yourself to keep moving towards goal achievement in the face of modern-day challenges.

 

Prioritize Mental Growth

 

Changing times and lifestyles can dramatically, not always positively, affect your goals. Because of any set of circumstances, a goal might not be as achievable now as it was only a short time ago. You might have to revise it in some way.

 

If you find that your goals are becoming less clear due to outdated mental abilities and inclinations, it's time to revise them to ensure achievement. Engaging in mental growth exercises not only keeps your mind sharp but also reassures you of your ability to adapt and revise your goals as needed, promoting growth rather than stagnation.

 

Solving virtual and physical puzzles is a mental fitness practice. Read a wide variety of books, engage all your senses daily, meditate, take up a new hobby or learn a new skill, fill out crossword puzzles, and engage in stimulating conversation that challenges your knowledge. Schedule mental growth practices regularly for the best chance of achieving goals.

 

Hydrate, Exercise, and Sleep Well

 

In today's sedentary lifestyle, staying hydrated is more crucial than ever. The lack of physical reminders to drink water can lead to dehydration. Dehydration of as little as 5% to 10% can negatively impact your physical and mental performance. Similarly, regular exercise and sufficient sleep are not just beneficial, but essential for maintaining your overall well-being and supporting your goal achievement.

 

Regular exercise is vital to goal achievement. Just 20 to 30 minutes of brisk physical activity daily is required to support mental and physical wellness. Sleep seven to nine hours each night. After just one night of insufficient rest, brain fog, a lack of focus, and decreased motor skills are the payoff.

 

Socialize

 

Human beings are meant to socialize. We are usually at our best when we enjoy frequent social interactions. Socializing is a self-care practice that is often overlooked but is essential to our overall well-being. By prioritizing socializing, you are not only taking care of yourself but also fostering a sense of connection and belonging, which is crucial for your emotional health.

 

Take care of these important aspects of your health. The healthiest possible mind and body will give you the optimal opportunity to achieve your goals. As a wonderful side effect, you will enjoy more peace of mind, physical health, and emotional well-being.

 

How Setbacks Can Refine and Strengthen Goals

Sometimes, we set goals that we abandon later. Life gets in the way, or we suffer enough setbacks to believe we are on the wrong path. We throw in the towel. 

 

What if we reframe setbacks as transformative experiences on the path to goal achievement? What if we recognized their potential to fortify our determination rather than viewing them as demotivating obstacles?

 

If you are pursuing a significant goal, you will encounter difficulties. Life will inevitably get in the way. When it does, and you suffer a setback, here are some things to remember to keep you focused on your goal. No matter who you are or what your goal is, these strategies can help you stay on track.

 

What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger

 

Consider this: a setback can be a powerful teacher if you choose not to give up. It can equip you with valuable insights, such as what strategies don't work. Armed with this knowledge, you can adapt and approach the issue from a new angle. 

 

Furthermore, setbacks can be a catalyst for building resilience. This ability to bounce back after a setback is crucial for achieving significant goals. If you stumble or fall short, take a step back and analyze objectively. You can then adjust your goal to make it more within reach.

 

Barriers Refine Your Vision

 

A setback might force you to modify your goals to make them more attainable. You keep the desired outcome in mind but try a different approach. This refined vision is an advantage of encountering obstacles - as long as you remain receptive to new ideas. With a few revisions, your action plan can anticipate and overcome future problems.

 

Setbacks Are Inevitable, So Why Not Embrace Them?

 

Have you ever seen something approaching and knew you couldn't avoid it? This sometimes happens with acts of nature. Your local meteorologist warns of an impending hurricane. In some cases, you might have time to prepare for its impact. You don't ignore it or cross your fingers and hope it will change course. You take the necessary actions. 

 

Setbacks you encounter on your goal path are as inevitable as the occasional act of Mother Nature. Treat them as you would an impending hurricane or another significant weather event. 

 

Prepare for them ahead of time. View them as temporary. After you encounter them, learn what lessons you can so you act with more information in the future. 

 

Embrace them, overcome them, strengthen your resolve for future encounters, and get back on the path to goal achievement. Now, I challenge you to think about a setback you've faced recently. How can you turn it into an opportunity for growth? What lessons can you learn from it? Take a moment to reflect and then take action.

 

Setting Goals in an Uncertain World

Are your goals linked intimately to your strongest beliefs? When you sat down to create a game plan for living your dreams, did you consider your values? If you haven't, the ever-shifting world we live in might leave a bitter taste in your mouth when you strive for your goals instead of the sweet taste of success that comes from aligning your actions with your values.

 

Attach Your Values to Your Most Important Goals

 

Some people value free time highly. They arrange their lives so they have as much time as possible to do what they enjoy rather than what they must. For instance, they might prioritize their hobbies or spend more time with their loved ones. Others value family or friendship above all else, while some chase the almighty dollar as their existence's be-all, end-all motivator.

 

Take some time to review your values. Don't just look at the surface level. Dig deep and uncover the biggest motivators. It's easy to be distracted by what society or marketing messages try to convince you is your best life path. Ensure your values are your own and not dictated to you by someone else.

 

Revisit the Most Unpredictable Circumstances You Have Had to Experience

 

The global financial crisis of 2008 was the largest since the Great Depression. It was triggered by a combination of factors, including the bursting of the United States housing bubble, high-risk lending practices, and the spread of toxic assets. The Great Recession that followed saw a European debt crisis that saw Greece, Portugal, Ireland, and Cyprus require rescue from economic default.

 

While many financial experts had predicted something troubling on the horizon before those devastating monetary collapses, it caught most people by surprise. People abandon their financial goals unless they have some relation to a person's core beliefs and deep-seated values.

 

When Your Goals Mean Something, You Persevere

 

What are your big goals right now? Think about the first two or three things that come to mind. Look at them closely. Are they truly related to your unique and personal values, or are they 'cookie-cutter copies'-of generic goals others have achieved but which may not align with your aspirations?

 

Life is uncertain on its most predictable day and unpredictable much of the time. In the face of such uncertainty, ensure your goals reflect your true values. If not, the motivation to realize them can disappear as circumstances change.

 

One of life's certainties is that you will face uncertainty your entire life. 

 

You can work diligently to control your environment, influences, and experience, but life will inevitably taunt you with unforeseeable challenges. When you base your goals on your most important beliefs, they stand a better chance of surviving the uncertainties the fickle finger of fate will force you to face.

 

Setting Goals That Impact Your Community

You touch lives every day, sometimes without realizing it. You consciously and unconsciously influence people as you move through your daily routine. People see your dedicated efforts to make positive changes in your life, and that can inspire them to do the same.

 

By setting goals that benefit your community, you not only positively impact the lives of others but also foster your own personal growth. Your self-respect and self-image flourish as you dedicate your time, resources, and energy to helping others, empowering you to make a significant difference. 

 

It's also possible to intertwine your desires with the needs of your community. Here are a few reasons to embrace social responsibility when choosing your goals.

 

Socially Responsible Goals Hold You Accountable

 

When your personal or collaborative goals have a positive influence on your community, the sense of accountability is heightened. You're not just acting in your own best interest, but also for the betterment of many. This increased accountability can be a powerful motivator, making it easier to wake up and work towards your goals, knowing that your efforts are improving the lives of others.

 

When you involve the people in your community in your goals, you elevate your accountability and foster a sense of belonging. Sharing your plans and forming a collaborative group not only enhances your social responsibility but also makes you feel connected to a larger purpose, inspiring you to work towards your personal goals with renewed vigor.

 

You Develop Powerful Connections

 

You know your child's school needs to update its computer education system. They are painfully behind other schools in harnessing computer technology for better learning opportunities. You meet with school administrators and volunteer to lead fundraisers to collect the money required to bring the school up to modern computing standards.

 

Think of the number of people you will be interacting with. Though your motivation is altruistic, to provide a modern learning environment for children, you can benefit on a personal level. Your connections can benefit you in many areas of your life, including your individual goals.

 

You Learn to Think Bigger

 

Setting community-based goals challenges you to think on a much higher level, pushing the boundaries of your personal aspirations. This socially responsible goal setting not only benefits your community but also inspires you to think and dream bigger in your personal life, opening up new avenues for personal growth and learning.

 

Setting goals that help your community has many significant rewards. Your self-respect and self-esteem grow. Public goals make you more accountable, you can form beneficial connections, and you learn to think bigger. Consider setting some goals that help those around you. You could discover that the benefits of socially responsible goals can move you closer to personal goal achievement.

 

Voice of Influence: How to Project Confidence and Authority

The most confident person can have difficulties speaking in public. The same is true if you are giving a presentation on Zoom or Skype. Here are some proven methods for being perceived as an authority in your field. You are seen as a confident public speaker who looks at ease and is comfortable in front of an audience.

 

Dress for Confidence

 

Do you have a power suit? What is an article of clothing you wear that makes you feel confident and capable? That's what you want to wear when you speak in public. You should dress appropriately for the situation but also wear clothes that make you feel in control and confident.

 

Ask Your Audience for Input Beforehand

 

Knowing what your listeners want to hear can lead to more confidence. You won't get caught off guard with a question you aren't prepared for. Ask your audience what questions they want answered in your presentation. Let them know you appreciate any input. This helps you feel more confident for a couple of reasons. 

 

Your audience immediately respects you. You asked them for their help, and they will appreciate that. It also gives you a list of things you need to research or otherwise understand before giving your speech.

 

Have Someone Introduce You

 

Do you have any titles or accreditations relevant to the presentation you will be giving? What experiences do you know your audience will be interested in? People will perceive you as a more confident and capable speaker when someone they respect introduces you.

 

Your audience should be able to identify the person who welcomes you to the speaking event. It is all the better if the person who introduces you is famous or has succeeded in a way that relates to your audience or subject matter. You are seen as a person of achievement who commands respect when a respected authority introduces you to a relevant field.

 

Go Virtual with Your Presentation 

 

Public speaking is tough. What if you took the whole "public" out of the experience? You are still communicating live with your audience. Except when you go virtual, you can do it from the stress-relieving comfort of your own home. You go virtual with your speech instead of standing before a group of people in a live, in-person environment. That can go a long way to making you feel comfortable.

 

Record Your Speech Instead of Going Live

 

How comfortable and at ease will you feel with an audience of zero? Record your speech, and you can repeat the process as many times as you need until you get it right. That doesn't happen with an in-person presentation. You have only one chance for success, which can put much pressure on you. Record your presentation rather than giving it in a person-to-person format if that's an option.

 

You should practice for perfection. Get to know your material inside and out. Then, you use these tips for a better public speaking experience and will be perceived as a confident authority figure in your field.

 

Speak with Impact: Techniques to Captivate Your Audience

A captivated audience is interested and engaged. They are happy to be in your presence, possibly even excited about the experience. The following tips make it possible to become a captivating speaker that mesmerizes your audience and keeps them coming back for more.

 

Ask Questions

 

One way to generate engagement is to ask questions. People love giving their opinions. Ask them what they think. When they respond, applaud them for the question they asked. Telling them it is a great question builds rapport. 

 

The definition of captivation is a state of intense interest. Your audience will stay interested when you allow them to provide input. Asking questions is also a way to direct your listeners' interest to a particular topic.

 

Compliment Your Audience

 

"Thank you for bringing up that point, Susan." 

"That's a great question, Bill, and I am glad you asked it." 

"You must be a mind reader. That's exactly what I was going to address next."

 

Those are some compliments you can give your audience. Anything that makes a person feel good about the experience you offer will boost their interest in what you have to say. You can compliment their articles of clothing or recent achievements when you meet your audience members before your presentation or make some relevant, complimentary statement while you are speaking.

 

Announce an Unadvertised Bonus for Sticking around for the Whole Speech

 

Announce this at the beginning of your speech. Be very profuse with your thanks. Express genuine gratitude for everyone attending. Then, tell them you would like to show your gratitude by giving them a gift if they stick around until the end of your presentation.

 

Make this bonus relevant to what you're speaking about. You can capture the attention of your audience when this reward is unadvertised. It is a pleasant surprise. Don't discuss the details of the bonus; the imagination of your audience will keep them engaged throughout your presentation.

 

Paint a Picture with Powerful Emotions

 

The best salespeople will tell you to sell the sizzle, not the steak. You don't talk about the features of the product. Instead, you focus the attention on the benefits of the product that trigger powerful emotions. This means creating an emotional experience as a speaker.

 

Tell your audience to imagine an amazing reality. Use words that evoke emotion. If you use a statistic to prove a point, follow it up with an explanation of how that information leads to a powerfully positive experience. Paint pictures with your words. Tell stories instead of just mindlessly chattering on. The more emotions you can stir up, the more captivated your audience will be.

 

Captivating speakers are not born. They are made. You can become an enthralling speaker if you work at it. These tips help you cast a spell over your audience so they stay fully engaged and interested in your words.

 

Steps to Declutter Your Space Without Overwhelm

Having a cluttered space, whether it’s your office desk or your home (or both) can feel overwhelming. If you have stuff everywhere and no idea of what you have, it can feel impossible to deal with and out of control. 

 

Here are some tips to help you take back control of your space and declutter.

 

Commit to a Goal

 

Part of the overwhelm is due to feeling you have to deal with all the stuff straightaway. You don’t. You just need a plan and a commitment to sort and throw away a reasonable amount of stuff every day. Once you’ve done your daily ration, you’ll feel so much better because you’re getting on with it in a systematic way.

 

Do a Clean Sweep

 

Take a box of garbage bags and do a walk-through your home and just pick up anything that’s garbage like circulars, newspapers, wrappers. With the trash out of the way, you can get on with the real decluttering. 

 

Do One Room or Area at a Time

 

Depending on how you’re feeling, this could be the worst room or the one that isn’t too bad.  If it’s your worst room, choose one area to declutter, maybe the dining table or the kitchen counter. Maybe even one closet. Just keep it manageable.

 

Have a Purge Box

 

A purge box or a donation station can be a cardboard box or bag where you can put things for charity and donate every week or so. Keep up the momentum of things leaving the house!

 

Set a Timer

 

You’re not trying to organize your entire home in one go, but perhaps even tackling one room or area might feel overwhelming. In that case get a kitchen timer, set it for 15 or 20 minutes, and work only for that long to keep things feeling manageable. You can face doing anything for 15 minutes.

 

Start Small

 

Start with the things that you won’t have any doubt about keeping. Anything broken or out-of-date can go straight into the trash. Clothes that are outgrown or never worn, that waffle machine or juicer you never use, ornaments you resent dusting – they can all go without a look back.

 

Don’t Feel Guilty

 

Permit yourself to declutter. It’s your space, and there’s no need to feel guilty about getting rid of stuff that’s no longer useful.  As you’re sorting, you can ask yourself some basic questions to see if the thing deserves a place in your life:

• Have I used or worn this in the last year? If not, get rid of it.

• Do I love it?

• Do I have the space to store it?

• Am I willing to throw something else out to make room for it?

• Can I see myself or anyone else in the family ever using it or loving it in the future? Really?