When we achieve a goal, we may expect an overwhelming feeling of gratification and satisfaction. We may not get the feeling we expected, or we may find that the feelings of elation did not last as long as we thought they would.
Why does this happen? It could be that the positive emotions you felt throughout the process of moving towards your goal came from the small victories you were experiencing due to the action you were taking.
1) You set a goal.
2) You identified the behaviours.
3) You took action (this produces positive emotions.)
In other words, the positive feelings were coming from the fact that you were taking deliberate action that moved you closer to your goal. Then, you may convince yourself that if you can feel this good while progressing towards your goal it means achieving it will feel ten times better. We know that this is not always the case.
How can you feel totally satisfied from having achieved a goal?
I recommend you set another goal before your first goal is achieved. This prevents the interruption of positive emotions you have been experiencing due to the deliberate action you have been taking. You maintain positivity due to the new goal because it creates the need for more deliberate action. You maintain forward momentum.
If you do not do this, you may become disappointed that the achievement of a goal did not live up to your expectations. This disappointment may cause you to self sabotage by undoing all your hard work.
Set multiple goals, or set a new goal before your first goal is achieved and keep moving. Keep getting the small wins and the big wins will feel big.
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