Goals are a helpful tool that can allow us to move forward in life. Without them, especially when both mood and motivation are low, it is easy to lack focus and direction. This can make us feel helpless and overwhelmed. Setting goals, therefore, can help you to take control of what you want to do and which direction you want to head in, challenging low moods and helplessness, and giving you a path to follow.
To set goals, you first need to think of what it is you want to achieve, and break-down the steps you need to take to get there. Saying you want something unfortunately isn’t enough. Achievement takes effort. You’ll have to approach it one step at a time, but it will be well worth it.
To start, look to set a goal that will motivate you. To do this you need to choose something that has meaning to you. In other words, pick something you value. For example, you may value sport, in which case, it might be easier to set yourself a sport related goal. Or, you may value a friendship or people related goal. If you do, then you might find it easier to set a goal relating to, for example, meeting a friend. Move Mood is an app that helps you to set a goal that has value to you by choosing a value category and then within that finding an activity that works for you and planning how you will complete it one step at a time.
To get started on goal setting, choose a goal that is specific. This means a clear goal which you might be able to measure. For example, you might decide that you want to try and walk 10,000 steps every day for a week. Make sure that the goal you set is achievable. So, if you know that it’s unlikely you will be able to go out every day to complete your 10,000 steps, then change your goal to the number of days you are likely to get some time to do this.
Many of us find it hard to get started on goals. Try to set yourself a deadline and tell someone when you hope to start, to keep yourself accountable. Make the day you start as soon as possible. Delay often means not getting started, so make your goals a priority. To help with this urgency, try writing down why it’s important to you, and what you will feel like after you complete it. Set reminders of when you will start, and stick with it! Move Mood can help you set reminders. You can also set the goal with a friendly companion who can motivate you with little sayings and provide you with rewards once you complete an activity.
By setting goals for the New Year, with the help of Move Mood, you can lift the weight of low mood, and move forwards with direction and purpose.
You can find out more about the Move Mood app here: https://www.movemood.co.uk/
If you are worried about depression and low mood, find out more here: https://stem4.org.uk/depression/