Many times in the process of goal setting we have one or more times when we behave differently than required. If the goal is the cessation of smoking and we smoke on a given day that does not mean that we have abandoned the goal. When that happens it is only a decision for that moment. If the goal is still important this is an opportunity to renew the goal. We can do this consciously and subconsciousy. Some of the ways we do this is to control self talk.” I choose to quit smoking” Asking yourself “what does finish look like?”is another way to reinforce the pleasure that will come from this.”What is the pain if you continue to smoke”.Rewrite and sign the paper where you have pledged to achieve this goal. Add affirmations regularly during the day which state” I have become a non smoker.”Just before you go to sleep and when you wake verbally renew the goal.
It is not uncommon to fall by the wayside in the goal process but you can renew the goal and continue to pursue it.

Work task:
If you have stopped working on the goal or behaved in ways that make the goal less likely shape your self talk. Rewrite the goal and write down all the pleasure you will receive from achieving the goal. Identify the pain that will come from the non achievement of the goal.