From Netflix to No Excuses: How I Levelled Up My Life By Turning Pro on Personal Goals

We’ve all been there. Staring at a list of personal goals that carry over from year to year.

You set out to learn a language, write a novel, run a marathon – only to be derailed by a “temporary” setback that somehow stretches into infinity.

I’ve been guilty of this. There are many personal goals I’ve set that I didn’t stick to. 

I thought I just wasn’t disciplined enough, or lacked will power.

But that can’t be true. I crush my professional goals!

So what gives?

After studying the patterns I realised that I didn’t bring the same kind of commitment and energy to my personal goals like I did towards my professional goals.

With anything work-related I’m super professional and focused

I show up for work:

• Even if I haven’t slept well the night before
• Even if I’m slightly unwell
• Even if I’m tired and exhausted 
• I never miss deadlines
• The attention to detail is next level
• The commitment was unwavering

All of the above was missing when executing personal goals

• Woke up late? No gym today.
• Getting a headache? No writing today. 
• Feeling bored? Ditch the diet for the day.
• Can’t sleep? Watch Netflix.

So I decided to direct some of my professional mojo towards my personal life. And that has been a game-changer.

Turns out the key to unlocking our full potential, to finally crushing those long-held dreams, isn’t about superhuman discipline or willpower.

The secret sauce lies in approaching our personal goals with the same professionalism and dedication we bring to our jobs.

hereismymind.com

That’s right. I’m talking about turning pro on personal goals.

What does it mean to turn pro on personal goals?

Simply put, it’s being committed to showing up for ourselves, no matter what.

It’s about treating your personal goals with the same respect, focus, and strategic planning you’d give any important project at work.

How To Turn Pro on Personal Goals

1. Ditch the Excuses, Embrace the Targets

Set clear and measurable goals just like you do with work-related ones.

For example, personal weekly goals may look like:

• Waking up at 5.30am 4 x week
• Meditating 1 hour x day
• Writing 4 articles x week
• Reading 1 book x week
• Eating healthy 6 days x week
• Evening walk 5 x week
  

2. Divorce Feelings From Actions

This has been one of the biggest mindset shifts that has accelerated my progress.

A sleepless and tired mother still shows up for her child day after day.

A tired professional still hits their targets month after month.

Show up no matter how you feel. Scared, bored, grumpy, uninterested, depressed. Do the work.

But also: create a daily routine that maximises your chances of waking up fresh and well-rested. I’m all about self-care and growing in all areas of life. With trial and error you’ll find a routine for yourself which allows you to strike this balance.

3. Treat Personal Time With Same Respect As Work Time

Your personal goals deserve dedicated time and attention, not scraps left over after juggling responsibilities.

Schedule blocks in your calendar for pursuing your dreams, just like you would for important meetings or deadlines. Treat this time with the same respect and commitment you give your job, and watch your progress accelerate.

4. Track Your Progress, Celebrate Wins

Track your daily progress to know how many goals you hit for the week.

Look unflinchingly at the data. But instead of cringing, be kind to yourself and make it a point to do better the next week.

If you hit all your goals, pat yourself on the back.

5. Embrace the Growth Mindset

There will be setbacks.

You will fall off the wagon.

There will be a learning curve.

It’s inevitable.

But instead of looking at the challenges as roadblocks, I view them as opportunities for growth.

Every week that I don’t hit my goals I try to understand why that was.

• If I hadn’t been sleeping well, I try to fix my screen time.
• If I had been low on energy, I focus on eating healthier.
• If I had been feeling restless, I meditate more frequently.

There’s a solution to everything and with a growth mindset you’ll find it.

6. Communicate Effectively With Family to Manage Expectations

Family support is crucial to achieving personal goals.

My husband knows I have to go for a walk at 5pm and has set up a recurring reminder to that effect so he can make himself free at the time to look after our son.

Clearly communicate your aspirations with loved ones, setting realistic expectations and seeking their support. This not only helps hold you accountable but also creates a ripple effect of encouragement and shared inspiration.

Recap: How To Turn Pro On Personal Goals

• Bring a dedicated and committed (professional) mindset to your personal goals
• Set clear and measurable goals, like you do at work
• Show up in your best avatar regardless of how you feel, like you do at work
• Treat your personal time with same respect as your work hours
• Track progress, like you do at work
• Embrace challenges and learn from mistakes
• Communicate openly with family to seek support and set expectations