Targets are usually easy to define.
Getting from A to Z, the messy middle, is the hard part.
That’s why most people feel like they are spinning hamster wheels, working hard but not making real progress.
The good news is you can tap into the power of metacognition to achieve any goal.
Metacognition is a fancy word for thinking about your thinking.
It involves being more aware of your thoughts, knowledge, and approach and using that awareness to make deliberate decisions and take better actions to get what you want.
For example, if your aim is to dig deeper into a specific topic, you will start with your motivation behind that goal, how you normally learn, when you take in knowledge, how you remember knowledge and how you know you’ve achieved your goal.
Think more before you apply or take action.
You will be surprised at the results.
Plutarch, a Greek philosopher, once said, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”
Metacognitive skills can help you identify what’s working, evaluate your system of achieving goals, and focus on how to make real progress towards your goal.
It helps you define and stick to efficient routes to achieve your goals faster.
Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, learn a new skill, start a new side hustle or start and maintain a healthy habit, the principles of metacognition can help you get there faster.
Make your goal very specific
“A goal properly set is halfway reached” — Zig Ziglar
Start by setting an insanely clear goal.
That means your goals should be exceptionally specific, precise, and well-defined. Don’t leave room for misinterpretation.
It provides a clear direction, purpose, and focus, which can greatly enhance productivity, motivation, and the likelihood of success.
For example, instead of setting a goal to “lose weight,” specify a goal to “lose 10 pounds in the next three months.”
Or instead of saying, “I want to learn a new language,” set a deadline by saying, “I want to achieve conversational fluency in Spanish within six months.”
Now think about how long you have to get to that goal.
Do you have the resources to get there? How do you intent to make time for the time period to achieve it?
How much learning do you have to do daily to get it done?
Thinking about timelines, the tiny details, daily actions, effort and commitment required to minimise procrastination.
Break down your goal into smaller, actionable steps or milestones.
These steps should be specific and tangible, outlining the actions or tasks required daily to make progress.
Remember to prioritise them based on their importance and urgency.
It makes your goal less overwhelming and allows for better execution.
For example, if your goal is to “start a side hustle,” actionable steps could include exploring options (freelance work, online businesses, writing, online tutoring, consulting, etc.) compatible with your skills and interests.
And even research market trends, demand, and competition to identify viable options.
Define what success means to you
“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” — Zig Ziglar
Clearly articulate what success looks like for your goal.
Envision the desired state or results that align with your specific goal.
It provides a clear benchmark against which you can measure your progress and determine whether you have achieved the desired outcome.
It also helps eliminate any subjective interpretation and provides a solid framework for evaluation.
Think about the next step after the deadline.
What happens if you don’t achieve the desired outcome?
Chances are you won’t so think about a “bridge plan” to keep going.
Successful people focus on continuous improvement.
“Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another,” says philosopher and educational reformer John Dewey.
Even after the deadline, there’s potential for ongoing growth and improvement. Even after reaching the initial goal, there may be opportunities for further enhancements or expansion.
Think about them.
By all means, keep your eye on the results you expect, but don’t get too attached. A successful goal sets the stage for continued development and evolution in other areas of your life.
Align the goal with a broader purpose, vision, or value.
When a goal contributes to your overall mission or long-term aspirations, it enhances the sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.
The next step is self-questioning
Reflect on your existing skills and tools.
An important metacognitive skill is self-monitoring — paying attention to your own thoughts and behaviours before you start.
Do you have the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to get started immediately?
Ask yourself questions about your thought strengths, weaknesses, processes, strategies, and processes.
For example, “What is my usual approach?”
What could stand in your way?
Think about your weaknesses, existing processes, habits, rituals, routines, and actions you usually apply?
What worked well and what didn’t in the past?
Identify patterns or recurring challenges.
What can you improve first before you start taking small steps towards the goal? Is there a better process you could use to do things differently?
How do successful people achieve their goals? Could you experiment a new way to achieve your goals?
By analysing yourself, you can identify areas where you may struggle and adjust your approach accordingly.
For example, if you find yourself getting distracted easily, you may need to adjust your environment or use a more effective time-management technique to stay focused.
Self-inquiry helps you identify potential gaps or areas for improvement and prompts you to find efficient ways to achieve your goals.
Remain flexible and adaptable throughout the process.
If a particular approach or strategy is not yielding the desired results, be willing to adjust your course. Embrace new ideas, techniques, or technologies to help you achieve your goals more efficiently.
Be mindful of your thoughts, actions and emotions throughout process
As you progress towards your goal, use metacognition to reflect on what is working and what isn’t.
Are there specific strategies or habits that are helping you move forward? Are there any roadblocks or challenges hindering your progress or could be improved?
Monitor your inner dialogue and emotions, and learn how to control them.
If you notice negative self-talk or doubt creeping in, use positive affirmations or visualisation techniques to shift your mindset back to a positive trajectory.
Regularly assess your progress this way and make adjustments as needed.
Finally, think about your progress and appreciate the effort you’ve put in. This positive reinforcement can help boost motivation and keep you focused on doing and achieving even more.
Before you go, remember what a famous and wealthy industrialists Andrew Carnegie once said, “If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.”
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