If you want to achieve anything of significance in life, you must plan for it. It doesn’t just happen by accident. Did NASA put a man on the moon by chance? Was Everest conquered by mistake? Did Madonna become one of the most successful entertainers of all time through luck? All these things require a burning desire to achieve, and great planning.
Start at the end
So where do you start? The answer is: at the end. Think about what you want before worrying about how you’re going to get there. Too many of us get caught in the trap of working harder, climbing higher and striving for more, without really thinking about what it is they truly desire. The first step is to establish your goals, and make them challenging but achievable. They should be clear, bold and specific, so you know exactly what you’re going for.
How to get there
The next step is to put in place great strategies that will help you to get what you want. The best strategies involve things you can do on a regular basis that move you slowly but consistently in the right direction. Over time, small actions applied frequently will pay huge dividends. For example, if you wanted to start your own business but felt like you didn’t have the expertise, one of your strategies could be to read about business, finance and marketing for 30 minutes every day. Imagine how much knowledge you would have accumulated over a year.
Remember to constantly analyse your strategies to find out which ones are working and which may need some adjustment. It’s pointless doing the same thing over and over again if it’s not getting results!
What’s in your way?
As we live in the real world, it’s important to identify any potential obstacles in your way to achieving your goals; be they mental, logistical, financial or otherwise. Find ways to mitigate or eliminate these obstacles and make this a part of your plan. Try to anticipate any stumbling blocks that might get in your way in the future, and put in place contingency plans to deal with them. Life coaching can give you the right tools to overcome difficulties.
Write it down
Finally, write down your plan. I suggest writing your goal and strategies on a single sheet of paper and putting it in a place where you see it every day. Make it bold, clear and concise, and personalise it to suit you. Take ownership of it and responsibility for it.
Having a sound plan and a clear path to follow eliminates uncertainty and gives you the confidence to succeed.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.
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