Everything we do has an outcome:

  • If you work out, you will get in better shape.
  • If you eat healthier foods, you will have more energy.
  • If you brush your teeth, you will not get cavities.
  • If you spend only the money you have, you will not be in debt.
  • If you save money, you will have some for later.

How do we get the outcomes we desire? How do we reach our goals?Neuro-Linguistic Programing states that our thoughts create our feelings and our feelings create our actions and our actions create an outcome.This means that paying attention to our thoughts really matters. And it matters where our thoughts come from.I used to say my thoughts come from me, but now I understand that my thoughts are coming from culture and upbringing a lot of the time.Even the smallest goals require a moment to pause and check how the goal feels to make sure the goal is your own. Some clues that you are setting the wrong goals (not your own):

  • a sense of dread
  • a sense of anxiety
  • a sense of frustration

Some clues that you are setting the right goals:

  • a sense of passion
  • a sense of joy
  • a sense of excitement

I say sense because our life goals are unique to us and the only way to tell if they are accurate is to look within our self. Once you have the sense that you are on the right path the desire to workout or eat healthier foods or save more money will happen automatically.Why?If I work out because culture tells me to be a size 2, then I will dread the workout. If I work out because I tie my own desire to the workout, then I will reach my goal.I work out because I sleep better and I like a good night of sleep. I hate tossing and turning and waking up tired.Why do you want to workout? Unless your reason makes sense for you, you will not achieve your goal.