We learn it early in life. It’s our default mode. We lose interest in difficult things. It causes big problems later when we need to sustain interest as we strive for success. Even a small bump in the road is enough to set off that default switch. This is harder than I thought. Do I really want to keep on doing it? 
The answer is yes. You do.
Encountering a setback is not the same as defeat. Demotivation is the result of both. But defeat is the end. Setbacks are not. Treat your setback as a slight detour. You’ll find it much easier to keep the interest in difficult things necessary for a successful mindset. Here are 5 ways to stay on course.
1. Set Attainable Goals
End global warming? Right on! That’s an amazing goal! Can you attain it? No one’s saying you can’t. Don’t let anyone talk you out of a goal.
At the same time, you must have a frank discussion with yourself. There will be times when belief in yourself is the only thing that keeps you going. That’s when the supporting framework of a successful mindset is most valuable. A large part of support is belief in your goals.
A goal should always be a stretch. There’s little or no growth until you’re outside of your comfort zone. Too much of a stretch? Careful, the default switch might kick in.
Your best guideline here is honesty. You must be able to envision yourself attaining the goal. It’s attainable if you can see the result.
2. Break Down The Goals Into Smaller Pieces
Big goals need perspective. If you go too long without an indication of progress, the default switch just might kick in. Make sure you set a series of short-term goals that you’ll accomplish on the way to your solution to global warming.
Is there such a word as “goal-ette”? Hmmm…maybe it should be “mini-goal.” Whatever term you decide to call them, make sure these bite-size goals help you stay the course. After all, that’s the definition of dedication.
Take the time to connect with these short-term goals. There’s no better way to do it than touching a pen to paper. Push back if your inner nerd prefers a screen and keyboard. Pen and paper engages your brain in ways that typing does not.
Putting a check mark next to a step toward your goal also triggers the reward center of the brain. You’re going to get a nice shot of a feel-good chemical known as dopamine. This makes you feel motivated and inspires you to take another step.
3. Find A Social Support Network
Your successful mindset is built on two kinds of support. First, you need your own internal framework. There are many things you can do yourself. Becoming successful is not one of them.
It’s time to turn outward to a network. Assemble a group of people to help you with your dedication. It’s their job to keep you on track. Tell them not to worry. It won’t be difficult. Most of the time, they’ll just hold up a figurative mirror.
If you’re honest with yourself, you know where you are. You’ll know why you’re demotivated. Your social support network accomplishes 2 things:
- It’s there to be a sounding board so you can talk yourself back on to the pathway to success
- It’s there to inspire you. Pick people who have similar goals. Then pick their brains. Share success. Dissect the obstacles together. Your network is a tool that helps you – but then reciprocity kicks in. You get to help them, too.
4. Exercise
Wait…what does this have to do with a successful mindset?
Here’s a bit of logic that you already know. A successful mindset takes up residence in your brain. The brain is attached to your body. Your body is attached to a chair.
It’s commonly believed that the ancient Egyptians invented the chair. Chairs have been discovered in their tombs dating back to about 2680 B.C. this is barely a fraction of a second in terms of our body’s evolution.
Get out of the chair and exercise.
You don’t need to read about the physical benefits of body movement here. What you do need to read is that exercise also has important mental and psychological benefits. It acts as a form of meditation. Use exercise as a way to focus on a particular task. Remember how that focus feels as you run, do yoga, or swim. Transform focus into a habit. It’s a necessity for your successful mindset.
5. Reward Yourself
Hooray! Goal achieved. Now what?
There’s nobody around to give you a promotion and a raise if you’re an entrepreneur or working for yourself. Your social support network might give you some high-fives.
Yawn.
That’s not enough. Reinforce the win. Reward yourself.
This is a goal you set, and you crushed it – even if it’s just the first short-term goal leading to, well, a solution to global warming. You made the commitment and you kept it. Don’t lose the momentum. It’s a big deal, and you deserve to treat it that way. Even if no one else is watching.
Pop the cork. Dig into that decadent container of ice cream. Cement the relationship between selecting an attainable goal and completing it. It’s a crucial cornerstone to your successful mindset.
How do we celebrate our wins? We’d tell you, but it would ruin the surprise. You’ll find out when you work with us on your next project. We’ll make sure there’s a reason to reward yourself when it’s complete. It’s one of the key steps to creating a successful mindset.
Here’s another way. For a limited time, we’re offering a free eBook called The Successful Mindset Guidebook. It’s packed full of actionable advice on how you can develop and re-program your mind for success. Download it today, while it’s still available!
