Are you setting realistic challenges for yourself?
Realistic goals will give you more chance of success and increase your motivation to take up new challenges. Go for it!
Setting realistic challenges is the key to good self-esteem
It’s easier to climb a staircase one step at a time than in a single bound! Every step you climb is a success. By setting realistic goals, you feel proud of yourself at every step, and that helps you keep going.
A realistic goal is an accessible challenge. It takes account of your energy, your abilities, and the time you’re able to devote to this project.
For example, it may seem difficult to talk to someone you find interesting for the first time. To make the task easier, you can break it down into several steps.
- Start by smiling at him/her or making eye contact when you meet him/her in the hall.
- Set yourself the challenge of saying hi to him/her.
- Find an opportunity to talk to the person, for example by asking him/her a question.
- And so on!
No matter how the person reacts, each step will give you courage, and you can be proud of doing it. Plus, you’re learning. You’re discovering what works well and what you need to improve next time. All of this helps to give you self-confidence.
No matter what the result of your efforts may be, be proud of what you achieved. That will make you want to take up new challenges!