So, a couple of weeks ago I talked about my FATES approach to achieving your dreams. This week I’m going to build on that by talking about why taking small steps is better than big leaps. I’m going to introduce you to my DRESS for success system (yes, I do like an acronym so get used to it!).
You’ve probably heard that before in relation to what your wear, but I’m going to show you how you can apply it to your life and achieve those dreams and desired outcomes!
Here is a typical scenario: I am going to lose 6 lbs in 6 weeks by eating healthily. That’s the goal, and at first glance, it is everything a goal should be, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timed. However, often that is where the planning stops – we know the what and when of the goal, and there is a vague overview of how, but what is missing is the really vital bit – the actual steps.
What does ‘eating healthily’ mean? Is it about eating healthily 100% of the time (unrealistic), having one healthy meal a week (probably not enough), making a complete change from current eating patterns (unsustainable)? Instead of this vague statement, you need to focus on the HOW, and that means not only having a clear picture of the outcome but also setting small daily steps that move you towards it.
Let me break this down for you (and these are in no particular order, it just fits the acronym):
- D is for Daily: you need to be doing something each day that will move you a step or two closer to your outcome. This may be a big or small change, but it needs to be done daily or you will end up close to the deadline with it all still to do!
- R is for Relax: take that pressure off! If you set big goals that involve big changes in your daily life, they create pressure, overwhelm and anxiety and those are not conducive to success. So, these daily small and easy steps help you ease into the journey gradually, so you make consistent progress.
- E is for Enjoyable: let’s face it, you are likely to be on the journey to your desired outcome for a while so you may as well enjoy it. Say you want, eventually, to be much fitter, and you are starting with walking, going from 2000 steps a day to 10,000 overnight is possible, but not sustainable and likely to create too much pressure to keep going. However, going from 2,000 to 2,250 by choosing a short walk somewhere in nature is enjoyable and will become something you look forward to, plus it’s so good for our mental health to get outside that you will feel immediate benefits, win:win!
- S is for Simple: each step you take needs to be simple so that it fits your schedule and mindset. Not so easy you don’t notice or bother, and not so difficult it isn’t sustainable, but just enough of a stretch to give you a sense of achievement. So, let’s imagine you want to reorganise your office, instead of upending everything, choose one drawer or shelf at a time and focus on that for one hour (or less) a day. Just because it’s simple or small doesn’t mean it’s meaningless and the feeling of achievement you get from completing one small task is just as good as that you get from larger tasks, and each step creates a sense of achievement that keeps you moving forward.
- S is for Sustainable: whatever you do, it needs to be sustainable. There is no point eating healthily for one day then going back to takeouts or walking for two hours one Sunday and then sitting around for the rest of the week. Taking small daily steps is more sustainable, and as you get used to them gradually, they become part of your routine. When they are routine, they become automatic habits and before you know it, there’s another outcome ticked off.
So, that’s the basis of my DRESS for success method. It focuses on those small daily steps that fit your life while moving you closer to your dream outcome and life.
For more support and strategies to keep you going, join me on Facebook www.facebook.com/fabnewlousfemales or follow me on Instagram, www.instagram.com/fabnewlous
© Fabnewlous® April 2022
Recent Comments