How to Avoid Being an Unhappy Achiever

In business, we are always being told to ‘set goals’ ‘lay down objectives’ or ‘work towards targets’. We are told that goals help motivate us and keep us on track but what we aren't told is what to do after we have reached them...?

Smashing a goal that you have been working towards can make you feel amazing, on top of the world in fact. It pumps adrenaline all over our bodies and lifts us to an all time high but unfortunately for most of us, this high is only temporary.

Before we know it we are on our way back home feeling empty, like we left something in the office. You check for your keys, wallet and phone, they're all there - so what is missing??

It’s ambition.?

When you are working towards a goal it creates a sense of aspiration, and every step closer you get to completing that goal your body rewards you with a sense of accomplishment.? These feelings can become addictive, so when we no longer have a goal to work towards or we have to start all over again, it can make us feel a little... purposeless.?

Author Kelsey Ramsden calls this The Success Hangover.

After smashing these goals you’d expect to feel like a champ, but that's not the case.? Goals give us a powerful sense of direction, when we are working towards a goal we feel in control. When the goal is complete though, it no longer needs our time, energy or effort. This can leave us asking ourselves questions like ‘what do I do now?’ or? ‘was my time wasted?’?

Fortunately, with decades of experience in SMASHING goals I have curated a list of how to overcome the goal-smashing blues!?

1. Reflect!!

Reflection isn't something we all do naturally, I mean, we’re not mirrors.? Sometimes our achievements can get swallowed up in the craziness of the world. It's important to remind yourself of everything you have achieved, big or small, they all matter. Write down great achievements or look at certificates and photographs so you can see your successes.? This is why I like to create vision boards, having a visual representation of my achievements and career helps me to always give myself the credit I deserve.

2. Try New Things

After completing a long term project, there is no better time to delve into something new. Trying something new is the Aspirin to your success hangover. It not only cures that empty feeling, it develops your skill set and who knows, you could find your next favourite hobby!?

3. Set More Than One Goal

If you have more than one goal to work towards then you won't be left down in the emotional dumps with a lack of ambition when you achieve big things. Instead you can check off your success and move onto the next! Working towards two or three goals can help you to divide your efforts whilst avoiding becoming overwhelmed by too many tasks. Instead of feeling empty you’ll be full of ideas for the next project! At SMASH IT! Training, we use Alison Edgar’s big balls to help stay on track!?

Setting goals can not only help to motivate you, but your team too. If you are interested in finding out how motivated your team are then take our Senior Leaders Scorecard to get a 360 view on your team. With our personalised report on your teams performance, motivation and communication you will receive actionable tips that you can implement into your business today, plus it’s free!?

If you’d like to find out more about setting - and smashing - goals in your personal life, SMASH IT! The Art of Getting What You Want is available to purchase on Amazon.