I used to date this guy in college who had an all-or-nothing mentality. If he wasn’t completely, dead tired after a workout, then he didn’t count it. If dinner didn’t come out of the oven exactly right, then he would barely eat it.

He was exhausting to be around.

However, his mentality is one I see and hear all the time. Whether on social media, talking with friends, or coaching clients, there are three mindsets I see preventing people from achieving their goals:

1. The All-Or-Nothing Attitude
2. Inability to Recover From a Setback
3. Fear of Failure

Imagine with me for a minute that, whatever you goal, you cannot fail. No matter what, you will achieve this thing. If we take out the “I might fail at this” thinking, what would that change for your mindset? What about your motivation? How about your emotional state?

Sure, you may have to extend the time it takes to reach your goal as setbacks arise, but ultimately, you will get there.

The key is to have plans in place when you are faced with the all-or-nothing thought process, or have a setback, or let fear get the best of you. If you prepare yourself for what could happen and how to overcome it, then you’ll be better equipped to continue making progress rather than abandoning your goal completely.

Now, while preparing for setbacks doesn’t give you permission to indulge in them, it does give you permission to move forward from them without giving up your goal or berating yourself for “messing up”. Life happens. Keep your goals in mind, know that you won’t be 100% focused 100% of the time, and move forward. Just because these things happen, does not mean you won’t, or can’t, reach your goal.  

Let’s take the goal of: I want to lose 20 pounds by December 2016. I will accomplish this by preparing weekly meals on Sunday, working out 4 times a week, and making mindful choices at meal times. In the left column, are common thoughts associated with this goal. In the right, the plan to overcome each one when they arise.

For more detailed help on setting a goal, check out this post on SMART-R Goals. It includes a free printable!

All-Or-Nothing Mentality

Setbacks

Fear of Failure

Now it’s your turn! Get your free printable on Preparing for Setbacks by clicking the link and get started on achieving those goals without fear of failure!

RQ: What is your biggest hold up when trying to reach your goals?

To work one-on-one with me as your Health Coach to analyze your mindset and prepare for when they arise, shoot me an email to schedule a free consultation at wreckingroutine@gmail.com, or complete the form below and I will get in touch with you!

Brooke Selb

I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.