How to Set Realistic Goals for Yourself

Every now and then, you will come across somebody who is very content with his situation. He likes his job, has good friends together with a warm family. Generally, he feels content. This is a self-confident man.

Then, one day, new computers arrive into work, and unexpectedly, he is not so satisfied. Technology may be a weak spot, but one he mastered when the business was computerized years ago. What will he do now that he is on the bottom rung of the ladder again?

Acknowledge What You Need

While programming and configuration may be way beyond what our friend has to offer, his bigger problem is a lack of confidence. After all, he will not need to know how to program this computer since that has already been done.

At times, we make jobs much bigger than they are as a way of diverting attention to our anxiety instead of trying to face our goals. Whenever you try something new, you run the risk of failing. Cut your anxiety down by pinpointing what you really have to do.

Our friend needs to learn how to use the programs on this new computer. That is a big task all by itself. His first job though is figuring out how to turn it on. That is a small job, and by acknowledging that task, and then completing it, he builds his confidence.

Always Think in Baby Steps

Your problem might be very simple. Maybe your teeth are on the darker side of yellow. You think, “My teeth look terrible. I want to make them whiter.” What does this involve?

Brushing more, drinking less tea, using bleaching agents that need to be picked up at the pharmacy? That is a lot to accomplish in one fell swoop. If you stumble on one you may just give up on all of them. Break your task into baby steps.

Begin with the most manageable task

For our friend, that was turning on the computer. He looked around at the younger guys, the ones with more computer experience, and saw them pushing the circle in the corner of their keyboards. He did the same and the lights came on. Suddenly this does not seem so difficult after all.

The easiest first step for you may be going to the store and buying special toothpaste or a new toothbrush. It may be researching products online. Whatever your first step is, make the celebration of success a focus. Write it down. Get it done. Then cross it out and put a star next to it. You have started a journey on the road to self-confidence.

When Time is Of the Essence

Experts say it takes twenty-eight days to form a new habit, and even longer to ditch an old one. You do not always have that kind of time to devote to one change, let alone the baby steps. The answer is simple: Do not rely on forming habits.

So many people are caught up in “I’ve always done it this way,” or “I’ll never remember.” With many tasks, computers included, you do not have to rely on your memory. You can make your own cheat sheet, or use post-it notes. You will remember a lot just through making mistakes.

When You Fail

At some point, you will devise a plan, break it down into what you think are achievable parts, and you will fail miserably on your first attempt. Your self-confidence is shot and it is very tempting at that point to just quit. There may be nothing inside you saying, “You can do this.”

If at First you do not Succeed, Try again

Failure is not an end but rather part of the process. Chances are your first bite was too big.

Through every step of the process, remember that self-confidence embraces positive actions that are also realistic for you.