Using Self-Regulation to Achieve Your Goals

   

Self-regulation is a big part of reaching your goals. It helps you to identify what values and beliefs are important for you. You can then create goals that reflect your values and beliefs and stay on track as you work toward your goals.   

Goals don’t have to be big to be important and valuable.  Getting a good night’s sleep, eating healthy, exercising, and getting along with others are just as important as dreams you might have for your future.  These small, daily goals create a solid foundation for bigger ones to come.  Achieving these goals helps you to feel good about yourself, have better relationships, and to be the best parent possible.

Here's how it all works. Your values and beliefs guide you through life.  When you value taking care of yourself, maintaining healthy relationships, or doing well in school or at work, you are more likely to achieve those goals.

Self-regulate with deep breathing – pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and gut reactions. Use physical and emotional outlets like exercise and art to give your body and brain a break.  Get support from people you trust, and make the best decisions for yourself, not what others think you should do. Whatever your goals, slow down and think through all the steps needed to achieve them.

Here’s a hypothetical scenario:

You just started a new job, and your boss is really demanding. You know that this job is going to be a great foundation for your family, but it’s really hard to deal with both your new job and being a single parent.  When the stress feels like too much, you really just want to drink a few beers, smoke some weed, and zone out in front of the tv. That’s what you always used to do before you became a parent. Now, you know that you have to get up early, and be sober in case the baby needs something in the middle of the night.  Instead of turning to weed and alcohol to cope, you put on a virtual exercise class and sweat out all your stress from your living room. You wake up feeling energized and ready to face the day.

You can find lots of examples on YUP! of other young parents who have achieved their goals. Once you have an account, you can even use the goal tool to set, track and achieve your own goals.