Break Through the Barrier- 6 Weeks to Reach Your Goals
As someone who firmly believes in the value of self-care and the power of slowing down, I also recognize that there are moments when a concentrated burst of effort is exactly what’s needed to achieve your goals.
If you’ve been following along with this blog, you’ll know it started as a divorce blog. Many of the topics I cover focus on being kinder to ourselves and finding ways to nurture our well-being. When you’re under chronic stress—like the kind that often accompanies major life changes—self-care becomes more than just spa days. It’s about finding balance, slowing down, and taking a more measured approach to life. And while I firmly believe in the value of rest and patience, there are times when breaking through a barrier requires a more concentrated, focused effort.
We all have a limited amount of time and energy each day. Just maintaining our daily lives—staying connected, taking care of ourselves and others—can take up a significant portion of that. So, adding a new goal to the mix can feel overwhelming. But sometimes, a short-term, all-in approach can help push you toward the breakthrough you’ve been striving for.
A Look at Our Everyday Life Habits
First, let’s acknowledge the basics that keep life running smoothly. In my own routine, there are things that get done daily without much thought. These include:
Brushing my teeth
Taking my daughter to school
Showering
Cooking and eating meals
Laundry
Sleep
These habits are essential, but they don’t necessarily move the needle on bigger personal goals. Adding anything beyond this list often feels like an uphill battle, and that’s okay. Acknowledging the constraints of your time and energy is the first step in figuring out how to prioritize what matters most.
My Experiment in Focused Effort
Earlier last year, I decided to see what would happen if I made a concerted effort to focus on two specific goals:
Reaching 100 published blog posts (I was at about 55 at the time).
Losing enough weight to ease the pressure on my knees.
I’d been chipping away at both goals for a couple of years. My approach was slow and steady, fitting these ambitions around the demands of everyday life. I’d write when I had time and followed loose training and eating guidelines suggested by my physio. While I was making progress, it was painfully slow.
So, I decided to shake things up and commit to six weeks of focused effort. This appealed to my experimental side and gave me permission to put other interests on hold temporarily. I identified two key habits:
Posting on my blog every day.
Eating simple, whole foods—nothing fancy, just straightforward and unexciting meals.
I knew these habits weren’t sustainable long-term, but for six weeks, I felt they could provide the momentum I needed.
Why Two Goals?
Oddly enough, focusing on two goals simultaneously helped me maintain a sense of balance. Because one was physical (weight loss) and the other was mental (blogging), they required different resources. This balance prevented me from becoming too fixated on just one aspect of my life. You don’t need to do the same, but it’s worth considering how different goals can complement each other.
The Importance of Preparation
Before diving into this focused effort, I’d spent over a year fine-tuning my habits and routines. I had a lot of unexpected life events come up: car trouble, preparing for my best friend’s wedding, starting a new job. So progress on my goals had been slow but steady. That time wasn’t wasted; it helped me learn what worked and what didn’t. By the time I started my six-week experiment, I had a clearer idea of how to integrate these new habits into my life.
What Happened During the Six Weeks
The first few days were exciting. I was adjusting to my new schedule and ironing out the kinks. After that, the novelty wore off, and the routine took over. Were there days I missed a blog post? Yes. Were there days I strayed from my meal plan? Also yes. But I didn’t let those slip-ups derail me. Each day was a fresh start, and I kept going.
By the end of the six weeks, I had achieved both goals. For the first time, I felt like I’d broken through the plateau.
When to Start a Focused Effort
You can really start this at any time but here are a couple of times that I think are akin to a lifehack to get the most of the experience:
Six weeks before the New Year: Yes, I’m suggesting starting before Thanksgiving and the holiday season. It gives you a chance to build momentum while others are winding down. This will make a huge difference particularly if your goal is health-related because it will perhaps give you reason to steer clear of the full range of eating festivities. Even if you do allow yourself some treats, it will likely be much less than if you opt to ‘start in the new year’.
Six weeks before a milestone date: Whether it’s your birthday, an anniversary, or another meaningful date, this can add a layer of motivation to your effort. You’ll remember who you’re doing this for.
When Not to Start
There are times when a focused effort might not be the best idea:
After a breakup or loss: While goal setting can be a helpful distraction, it’s important to give yourself time to process and heal. A strict routine might add unnecessary pressure during an already challenging time. Instinctively, this doesn’t feel like a great time to me. Give yourself a few months.
If you haven’t addressed underlying emotional challenges: For example, if you’re working on weight loss but haven’t tackled emotional eating, you may want to think about the potential for healthy coping mechanisms.
The Takeaway
A six-week burst of focused effort can be a powerful way to tackle a goal that feels stuck. By preparing yourself mentally and physically, prioritizing your time, and staying flexible, you might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.