Whether it’s the type of life you aspire to have or the business idea you’ve dreamt about for years, we all have dreams and goals that we think about constantly. The problem for a lot of us is, it’s easy to get stuck in “one-day” land. We’re serious about the idea of accomplishing the said goal, but often we let too much time pass by without actually taking action. Before we know it, years have passed, and we’re nowhere near creating that life we wanted. Before you let shame and guilt overtake you for lack of results, know you’re not alone. Life has a way of distracting us with the urgent but unimportant things, which ends up keeping us from the non-urgent, but important things. Here are three tips to help make your goals a reality.
Identify What You Want
How much time have you spent hashing out the details of the goal you’re looking to accomplish? If you haven’t already, take time to sit down and write down exactly what you’re working to achieve. A general idea is great, but the details are what makes a difference. Do you want to lose weight? Great, but how many pounds or inches do you want to lose? If you want to increase your income—by how much and how will that alter your budget and lifestyle? If you want to launch your new business—by when and what do you want your initial sales to be? Know the details because if you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it.
Set a Plan
In order to know where you’re going, you have to know where you’re starting. Now that you’ve taken time to write out the details of what goal(s) you’re working towards—take time to assess your starting point. Just like driving directions would be incorrect with the wrong starting point, so will an action plan with the wrong starting point. Once you’re honest with yourself with how much work you do or don’t have to do, create a plan of action. Setting small goals along the way to help gauge your progress is often helpful.
Take Action
The only thing left to do is begin! A plan is necessary, but a perfect one is not. Trust the process. And know that along the journey, as you learn more, you will pivot accordingly. Don’t worry about having everything figured out—just start! Doors will begin to open up along your journey that wouldn’t have if you did not start.
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The most important thing to remember is to enjoy every step and season of the journey. There will be memories and lessons to learn at every step. Your life doesn’t begin when you reach your goal—you are still living your life, even while you’re in pursuit of it.
“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.” –Dale Carnegie
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