On the fourth day of the 31 Days of Goal-Setting challenge, we are reflecting on yesterday’s list of goals we set throughout the year for ourselves and asking: How did you do with those goals? Why do you think you failed or succeeded?

I know I’m already starting to sound like a broken record, but the why here is just as important as the answer of whether or not you achieved what you wanted. Be as clear and as honest as you can about your reasons for success or failure; the information is going to help you figure out what makes a goal more or less successful for you.

Keep my laptop on my desk except when watching movies – Haha, yeah, I entirely failed at this one. In fact, I’m sitting on my couch with my laptop right now.

Why? This was way too big of a habit shift for me all at once, and was too focused on a behavior of avoidance (stop being unproductive) rather than forming positive behaviors (spend more time doing X, Y, and Z that I consider more productive).

Start following the 5×5 StrongLifts program – Yup! I’ve been following it for the past few months.

Why? This program is a great trifecta of 1) pushing me to do something that was new/scary (using barbells) but that built on things I already was doing (working out, strength training) 2) having a regular, easy-to-schedule system that I could quickly build into my existing routine and 3) being directly tied to something I both care about and really enjoy (getting STRONGER! ^_^ )

Research mindfulness practices and begin some kind of daily practice – Well, I did do some research but I’ve yet to institute any regular daily practice.

Why? In large part I failed to start a regular practice because I’ve struggled to figure out a standard time when I will remember to do meditation (or some other practice). I am very attached to practicing either in the morning or right before bed, but my sleep schedule is so chaotic that I hesitate to plan anything for either the early morning or the evening.