Self-motivation through Imagination

Sometimes our daily work challenges us so much that we completely forget why we do what we do: an important e-mail, a meeting with a new business partner, quickly shopping for the weekend on our lunch break. There’s no time left for reflection. Sooner or later we lose sight of our own goals. But goals help us make the right decisions. If you set off without a goal, you run the risk of constantly chasing after the pack. A simple formula can be a great help in developing your own goals.

Goals have to be SMART

1. S-specific: Define your goal as specifically as possible. If you want more money, don’t just say: “I want more money”. A suitable definition of your goal in this case would be: “I want to save a thousand euros by 31 June”.
2. M-measurable: Your goal should be measurable through numbers or other parameters so you know when you’ve reached it. These parameters will help you check if you are on the right track later.
3. A-attractive: Goals should appeal to you personally. Nothing is more demotivating than having to do something that has nothing to do with your own preferences.
4. R-realistic: Thinking big is good. And ambitious goals are also good. But your goals should still be realistic. Being a millionaire overnight is a great idea, but it isn’t realistic. Go ahead and think in terms of high standards, but take the time to find out which goals can actually be achieved.
5. T-timing: Vague definitions of goals often get lost. So define the exact times when you want to achieve the respective goal. Try to be as detailed as possible.

Motivated to reach your goals

But how do you motivate yourself every day? How can you pursue your goals with the utmost conviction? The answer is: through the power of your thoughts! Visualising your goals will help you achieve mental clarity and will have a tremendously motivating effect. Imagine driving your new sports car or relaxing in the sun on a remote island in the South Sea. You can also imagine your fitness training finally paying off in the summer. Immerse yourself mentally in the situation and think about it as if you’ve already achieved your goal. Go through the steps that are still missing and imagine tackling them one after the other. You will get a little closer to your goal with every step. You have already achieved your goals and all the intermediate steps in your thoughts. All you have to do now is get out there and do it!