Going after any goal, whether it is in your personal, professional, social, or any other aspect of life is a process that requires commitment, continued learning and refinement. It would be irrational for us to think that we can just jump from where we are TODAY to where we want to be without coming up with a realistic, repeatable plan of action.

I know what you are thinking…

But I don’t want to wait to (INSERT GOAL HERE)!

I hate to break it to you, but if you want to be successful, it is going to take some time. The quick fixes and “band-aid” attempts toward reaching success will only work short term. If you want to be successful, you are going to have to be patient, stay disciplined and trust the process.

Goal setting may seem intimidating at times, especially when we set out to accomplish BIG THINGS! But don’t let fear or feeling overwhelmed get in the way of achieving what you want in life!

I want to set you up with a plan that will not only get you started with setting and working towards your goals, but also keep you motivated and committed to getting the long-term results that you desire!

KEEP IN MIND…

*You must be willing to leave your comfort zone. Let go of where you are and start being drawn towards your goal, no matter how uncomfortable it might be at times!

*Positive actions repeated over time become habits. Negative actions repeated over time become habits. Choose wisely!

*Setbacks and changes in your plan are inevitable. Be willing to see them as learning experiences and chances to evaluate your action plan and commitments.

*Look at the gap between where you are NOW and where you want to BE as an open ended opportunity for personal growth and change!

That said, here are four practical steps to becoming a “goal getter”:

Step 1: write it out

Physically. In your journal, write out a detailed list of all of the goals that you would like to accomplish for yourself in the next year. BE SPECIFIC. It’s not enough to just say, “I want to be more confident”.

When thinking about your goals and what you want to achieve in life, you have to be EXTREMELY specific and clear. The more detailed you are, the easier it will be to see what you need to do to start working towards it!

Step 2: pick one goal

That doesn’t mean ignore your other goals all together, but if you’re going to get focused and really do this work let’s focus on your TOP goal!

Set a date or time frame for when you hope to have it accomplished by, but be flexible.

Step 3: break it down

Once you have your goal in mind, think about what is required to get there. Break your goal down into small, realistic, actionable steps that get you started in the right direction.

What are some small actions that you can take every day that are productive in getting you from where you are now to where you want to be? Who do you need support from? What do you need to let go of? What habits do you need to adopt? Make a list of these action steps and start to schedule them into your day.

Step 4: take action

You have your goal. You know what you need to do to reach it. Now, it is time to make a plan and GO FOR IT! Take at least ONE action step towards your goal EVERY SINGLE DAY, regardless of how small or insignificant it may seem.

Look at this plan like an important meeting (with yourself) that you cannot cancel.

Step 5: repeat

Continue to take positive strides in the direction of your goal. Keep an open mind. Stay consistent with your action plan and work at it every day without exceptions.