I have just celebrated a wonderful personal achievement – I’ve walked the entire distance around Loch Ness. That’s 100 km. Without even realising it. Ok, I didn’t actually go to Scotland or Loch Ness, I only walked the equivalent distance. All the same, I’m feeling a great sense of achievement.
Incredibly I didn’t set that goal. My intention was just to walk more and so I bought a fitness watch 3 months ago. So yes, it has taken me 3 whole months to walk that distance but I still got a big dopamine hit to hear I’d achieved something so momentous. Loch Ness! It sounds good, doesn’t it? It’s as well-known as the London Marathon but it’s three times as far. So I feel pretty good suddenly. What’s more, it has spurred me on to do more.
“So what’s in it for me?” you may be asking.
Well, it’s given me food for thought and I’ve come up with some insights from the experience:
- Celebrate your wins. Even the ones you didn’t set up as a goal. That means you have to open yourself up to noticing achievements where you may not have expected them. Perhaps create a new habit of reviewing your day, week or month. What achievements can you find? Allow yourself to feel good about them.
- If you want to change habits, set yourself “loose” goals. Ones without a deadline. Track them to see how you are doing. Or set a “tight” goal, one with a deadline and specific measurable elements and track that too.
- Want to take more exercise? I recommend the Withings Watch. It not only looks cool, but it tracks and tells you when you have something to feel good about – even when you didn’t realise. Then you can enjoy the achievement and keep going. Like I have.
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