8 Steps To Stay On Track When Things Don’t Go According To Plan

Written by: Goioiza Ferreras Gandiaga, Executive Contributor

Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.

Do you set goals but things don’t go as planned?

Are your goals outcome-driven, so naturally, you come to expect and are attached to the results?

Do you have certain expectations and when they are not met, you fall off the wagon?

Setting goals is part of the journey toward your dreams, and there are bound to be obstacles along the way. And that’s okay; what you do about them is what matters.

Here are some steps to put in practice and create your own protocol, so you stay on track:

1. Connect With Your Why

What is the reason behind your goals? Why are you trying to achieve them? The key here is to connect with your motivation, your purpose.

Being connected to your why will drive your motivation and you are more likely to take action towards your vision. So, when you lack motivation, remind yourself of the reason(s) for doing what you are doing.

2. Stick To Your Schedule

When things don’t go as planned, it’s easy to get discouraged. This is when you need to stay disciplined the most, even if you don’t feel like it.

Taking daily, intentional action will allow you to stay on track. If you are not sure how to move past a particular obstacle, you can ask yourself: What can I do to solve X? What would my better self (future self) do?

Keep asking those questions, stick to your schedule, and like Pablo Picasso said, “Let inspiration find me working.”

3. Energise to Take Action

What do you do to replenish your energy levels? For example, if you haven’t gotten enough sleep, it is very difficult to perform at your best.

A good night sleep, exercise, and nutrition are the basis for a balanced body and mind. Gratitude and meditation are also great additions that have a huge impact on your mindset and how you approach challenges.

What can you add to your day to replenish your energy?

4. Find Reasons to Believe in Yourself

When things don’t go as planned, doubt shows up. You can start questioning yourself, your skills, the work that you are doing, etc.

Address that doubt head-on by reminding yourself why you believe in yourself.

What evidence do you have that when you believed in yourself great things happened? What obstacles have you overcome in the past?

Make a list to show yourself why you should believe in who you are and your potential.

5. Review Your Habits

Are your daily habits supporting you and your goals? Do you follow a routine or have a ritual that helps you get grounded when things don’t go your way?

It can be as small as breathwork, which research shows to be the quickest way to relax both body and mind. It activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which is in charge of relaxation.

6. Improvise to Overcome Obstacles

Plan A didn’t work out. Have you considered a Plan B or Plan C, i.e. a different approach?

Sure, it would have been easier to “get it right the first time.” But by trying something else you are learning to be flexible and to think outside the box, both of which are great qualities to cultivate.

So, instead of falling into frustration, what about incorporating this new mantra by Brian Johnson: OMMS – Obstacles Make Me Stronger. Feel free to repeat it to yourself every time you come across a challenge.

7. Seek Expert Advice

You are not meant to have all the answers or do everything by yourself. Do you have someone that may assist you? Are you open to working with a coach? Is there someone who has been in your shoes that you could have as a mentor? Do you need to hire an expert?

Consider what option suits your current situation and what kind of support you would want in the near future.

8. Create a Support System

Do you have someone to share your vision with? Or to brainstorm ideas and discuss challenges?

Having a community, a group of people or one person with whom you can share what you do is important. It allows you to talk about what’s going well, what’s not and what you want. Also, it’s a great way to stay accountable and for someone else to hold you accountable to your goals...

That being said… What steps can you start implementing when facing future obstacles?

If you want to learn more about elevating your life, gaining clarity and achieving your dreams, reach out to me here and let’s chat!

For more info, I invite you to visit my website Thriving Focus and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Read more from Goioiza!

Goioiza Ferreras Gandiaga, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine

Goioiza Ferreras Gandiaga is an entrepreneur and the founder of Thriving Focus, a business and mindset coaching company focused on facilitating transformation for entrepreneurs in the creative industry who want to take their business to the next level. Her methodology combines both a mindset and business approach, to support her clients to pursue their dreams, make empowering decisions, elevate their confidence and flourish in the process.