It is always a good time to be compassionate towards yourself, to let go of the past failures and allow yourself new possibilities. Research gives us hints of the components that help us stick to our goals and feel much more alive on the way.

Firstly, positive emotions are important. You can think of your task – writing an article, playing padel... – if you enjoy doing it, the more likely it is you will keep on with it.

So, if the route to your goal offers you moments of positive emotion, you might stick to it better. For example, positive emotions broaden the scope of our attention.

Secondly, a flow experience is highly motivating. Flow is the experience of being highly involved and focused on what one is doing. This happens mostly at moments when do something you really enjoy and are skilled in. You might experience flow at moments, when what you are doing matches perfectly your skill level. If you are not there yet, don´t push! Accept that some more practice is needed.


Thirdly, social support helps to overcome obstacles. Find an "accountability buddy", who can support you during difficult moments of low motivation. This is why studying and working in teams is beneficial. This is also why good guidance is worth of gold. It is also much easier to stick to your plan when you are supported by others.

Going to the gym through slush or ice is easier when you do it with a pal. So, look around, maybe you find someone with the similar goal, someone you can share the role of being the accountability buddy with.

Social support really shifts your perception of obstacles.

(More about this, follow the link underneath to Social support and the perception of geographical slant - ScienceDirect)

And – last but not least – meaningful goals give high inspiration. Read more about this in Frank Martela's blog (link underneath)

READ THIS: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience (Harper Perennial Modern Classics) Paperback – July 1, 2008
by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi