Author Tim Ferriss lowers expectations on writing goals
- Daily Quiet Time. Let's say you have always had difficulty keeping a daily quiet time and for 2010, you have already set yourself up for failure by creating, for example, a huge goal of at least 60 minutes of Bible reading and prayer, every day. For some people, they are disciplined enough to accomplish this, but let's say that you have never been very disciplined in this area of spiritual growth. Lower that goal down to 15 minutes a day for 4 days a week. Chances are that you will end up meeting and surpassing this lowered expectation. Once you can reach this lower goal at a consistent level, then set a new goal of maybe 20 minutes a day for 5 days a week, and so on.
- Giving. You know that you should be giving at least a tithe of your income to your local church, but you have never been able to reach that goal. Lower that expectation down so that you are giving something. Try 3% or 5% just to get moving in this area of investing in God's Kingdom. As you meet or surpass this lowered expectation, then slowly move up 1% every few months until you can get yourself to the level of the tithe. Financial planners use this technique all the time to get their clients moving forward with their retirement planning and it works.
- Personal Finances. Let's say you've never been very consistent with saving money for an emergency fund. You've had goals in the past of saving $500 to $1,000 a month but have failed miserably. Lower that expectation down to just $100 a month and automate the process by setting up an online savings account, having that small amount auto-drafted from your checking account. As you are able to meet this lower goal consistently, then bump that number up to $200 and so on.