Why Hitting Your Goals Doesn’t Always Feel Positive
In business, we are always being told to ‘set goals’ ‘lay down objectives’ or ‘work towards targets’. We are told that goals help motivate us and keep us on track but what we aren't told is what to do, or how we may feel after we check them off the list.
Smashing a goal that you have been working towards can make you feel amazing, on top of the world in fact. It pumps adrenaline all over our bodies and lifts us to an all time high but unfortunately for most of us, this high is only temporary.
Before we know it we are on our way back home feeling empty, like we left something in the office. You check for your keys, wallet and phone, they're all there - so what is missing?
It’s ambition.
- Tara Winstead @ Pexels
When you are working towards a goal it creates a sense of aspiration - a sense of ambition, and every step closer you get to completing that goal, your body rewards you with a sense of accomplishment. These feelings can become addictive, so when we no longer have a goal to work towards or we have to start all over again, it can make us feel a little... purposeless.
Author Kelsey Ramsden calls this ‘The Success Hangover’.
After smashing these goals you’d expect to feel like a champion, but that's not the case - especially with long-term goals. Goals give us a powerful sense of direction, when we are working towards a goal we feel in control. When the goal is complete though, it no longer needs our time, energy or effort. This can leave us asking ourselves questions like ‘what do I do now?’ or ‘was it worth it?’
Fortunately, with many years of experience in the subject under my belt, setting and smashing goals are my forte. I’ve learnt the ins and the outs, meaning I have quite a bit of experience in post-achievement gloom. To stop you from feeling this way, I have curated a list of how to overcome the goal-smashing blues!
How To Ditch The Despair:
Reflect!
Reflection isn't something we all do naturally, I mean, we’re not mirrors. And it's harder to reflect now, than ever before. In a world of reels, highlights, stories it can become so easy to compare yourself and achievements to a Facetuned version of reality. This is why it's important to remind yourself of everything you have achieved, big or small, they all matter. Write down great achievements or look at certificates and photographs so you can see your successes. Personally, I like to create boards, having a visual representation of my achievements and career helps me to always give myself the credit that I deserve.
Try New Things
After completing a long term project, there is no better time to delve into something new. Trying something new is the Aspirin to your success hangover. It not only cures that empty feeling, it develops your skill set too and who knows, you could find your next favourite hobby!
I get that trying new things can sometimes be daunting, that first step out of your comfort zone can leave you feeling a little exposed, but it is when we are outside of our comfort zone that we grow. Instead of stressing about worst case scenarios, always ask yourself, what's the best that can happen?
Set More Than One Goal
If you have more than one goal to work towards then you won't be left down in the emotional dumps with a lack of ambition when you achieve big things. Instead you can check off your success and move onto the next! Working towards two or three goals can help you to divide your efforts whilst avoiding becoming overwhelmed by too many tasks. Instead of feeling empty you’ll be full of ideas for the next project! Me and my team use Alison Edgar’s Big Balls to stay on track!
If you enjoyed this blog and would like to find out more about setting - and SMASHING - goals in your personal and professional life then I highly recommend grabbing yourself a copy of my best-selling book ‘SMASH IT! The Art of Getting What YOU Want’ on Amazon!
