Do you have a bad habit you want to kick to the curb? Are you looking to learn something new or make some sort of improvement to your life? If you’ve never faced challenges like these before, it can be pretty daunting to figure out how to accomplish them.

No two people are the same. Everyone might have different ways to approach accomplishing something in a manner that’s most effective for them. However, if you’re having trouble getting started, there are a few general points that can be helpful for you.

1. Identify clear goals

Let’s say you want to learn a new language or to quit smoking. It’s great to have the end goal in mind, but it can seem so far away if you don’t identify clear goals that you can measure your success by along your journey. 

Identify milestone goals. These are smaller goals that are essentially like steps on a staircase leading to the end goal. With learning a new language, some milestones could be learning a new grammar rule every week or learning five new words every day. With quitting smoking, you might make being smoke-free for a week a milestone and measure success by each smoke-free week that follows.

Accomplishing small goals like these helps to keep you motivated. It’s rewarding to accomplish something and check off an item on your list to success. 

2. Stop making excuses

Do you feel like you can’t accomplish learning a new language because you’re a slow learner? Do you not want to give up smoking because it makes you feel too good in the moment? Excuses like these can prevent you from making a change or continuing once you’ve started.

Create a system of accountability. Find friends and family who can encourage you or help you resist temptations. Remember, no matter the excuse, you can find a way. 

3. Set a routine

Once you have your goals in mind, set a routine as to how you’ll reach them. With a routine, you don’t have the stress of trying to figure out on the fly how to reach your goal. For example, when it comes to learning a new language, rather than just saying you’ll read or study every week, you should actually set aside a scheduled time every day or every other day for time to study or practice. 

Reaching your goals isn’t always easy, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. You’ve probably heard it said that the best things in life are worth struggling for. Don’t let excuses or hardship keep you from making a positive change in your life.

At Unfiltered Radio, we believe in taking care of yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually. Join us as we investigate what it means to follow Jesus and take care of our needs and the needs of others.