Everyone likes to talk about goals.  And of course this time of year our mind wanders to what transpired in 2017 and what we want to achieve in 2018.  

We think about setting new goals and have dreams of what we will do differently in the upcoming months to achieve those dreams.

For some, the idea of a New Year’s resolution is daunting. We find ourselves falling off the wagon before the wagon has been properly packed. Too many sabotage efforts unknowingly which means they are setting themselves up for failure – right out of the gate.

I’d like to take this time to break down a few ideas that can help you not only pack your wagon, but keep it traveling down the path in a way that helps you reach the goals you have set for yourself.

Step 1 – Write them down.  Yes, I mean physically.  Pen and paper; whiteboard; something you can see in front of you on a daily basis.  I’ll get to phone reminders later, but the first step is starting with a clean sheet of paper.  It may sound ceremonious but we are looking for small significant steps that will hold great meaning.

When you write each goal down leave space to make additional notes under each one. Under each goal you need to write your ‘why’.  Why do you want to achieve it, what is the feeling attached with that achievement. These will come in handy with the next steps.

Each goal requires steps to make it happen. But that first step – is making your list. Then you need to keep the list predominately placed so you will see it on a regular basis. You can leave it on your whiteboard, you can post it on your refrigerator, you can leave it on your nightstand, you can tape it to the bathroom wall, you can put it in your planner.  Just find a place that you will knowingly see it on a regular basis.  This is not a list to remind you of what you haven’t done – but look at this as a list of what you want to achieve.

2 – Routine.  Don’t cringe yet.  Some people thrive on organization and set routines, while others fight it every step of the way.  If you like routines, then this won’t be as big of a step for you but if you balk at them let’s put them together in a way that works for you.

A routine is simply something you do on a regular basis.  You eat every day, right?  You sleep every day – these are pieces of your routine. Part of your goal should be to regularly do steps to met your goals.  Along the way you will find reasons to be distracted or go off on tangents. Your routine will keep you stepping in the right direction.

For example. If your goal is to take a trip in the Fall and you know you must save a certain amount of money to make that happen, you should have a goal of how much to save monthly to make that happen. Things will pop up along the way, friends who want to go skiing for a weekend, a new handbag that is an amazing steal, a fancy dinner to celebrate an event. These should not deter you from your goal.  If you’ve already put aside the monthly amount for your trip and you have extra for something else, great!  But don’t be lured into an instant gratification when your long range goal is what you are shooting for.

Successful people have mini goals that help them achieve the big goals.  Breaking it down into smaller pieces can be helpful. In your routine or your planner break out monthly goals to help you on your journey, then break those down into weekly goals.  Success is achieved when you take steps every day towards your goal.

3 – Reminders. As you are planning your year you probably already have a good idea of what will cause your derailment.  If you are extremely motivated or highly driven to achieve your goals you may not need multiple reminders.  But some people need a couple reminders daily – especially if this is something new you are adding to your routine.

For example – if you are starting a new diet and exercise routine you may need positive reminders throughout the day.  This is where phone reminders come in handy. If you use an online calendar it can be extremely beneficial to schedule your reminders there as well. Take some to seriously think about what messages you need to hear throughout the day.  Then plan them out for a month.

I had someone write a positive message on the fogged up bathroom mirror. Each day after the message greeted them.

Start with one or two reminders each day to stay on track. No one knows what triggers motivation in you better than you. Maybe you need to hear “Remember that cute bikini”  or  “Are you eating for two?.. Cut it back a bit”  or  “Go for a 15 min walk”.  This is where you bring in your “why” that you wrote under your goals.  Remind yourself why you want to achieve this goal. Imagine what it will feel like when you accomplish this dream. 

The same can hold true for scheduling time for you.  Schedule in 15, 30, or 60 minutes each day for you.  Whether it’s just time to stretch, walk away from your desk, meditate, write in a journal, enjoy a cup of tea, read – whatever it is, part of your routine has to be taking time for you!

4 – Positive Influence. The quickest way to fall off the wagon is to have naysayers and negative people bring you down. Anybody who wants to make you believe your dream is unattainable is not welcome on this journey.  If you are wanting to increase your income subscribe to newsletters or magazines that will keep you on track.  If you are looking to travel find a good travel blog that you read regularly. This a great way to utilize alerts on your phone as well.  Positive reminders that pop up and say “You’ve got this”  or  “Tahiti in 123 days”.

There are several daily affirmation apps you can locate. But the key to your positive influence – is to instantly eliminate anyone, or anything, that you find is taking the joy out of your dream.

5 – Take Action. This step is the one that derails you the fastest.  This step will prevent you from even packing your wagon. Reading great ideas, thinking about goals, dreaming about results – don’t make them happen. Over 50% of people never take the action needed to even get started on their dreams.  So these fabulous ideas or amazing adventures remain hidden in their subconscious. You defeat yourself before you even begin.

This is when the excuses come in.  I’m too busy.  I have other obligations. I don’t know how. People will laugh at me. I may fail.

I’m too busy – You are only as busy as you believe. Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. You make time for what you truly believe is important.  Is it important to you?

I have other obligations – Yes you do.  But your biggest obligation is to yourself. If you don’t do it for you – no one else will.

I don’t know how – I’m not going to say this is the lamest excuse – but it kind of is. With the internet at your finger tips and a world full of YouTube videos, communities, groups, forums, etc.  You can find out what you need to know.

People will laugh at me – There will always be people who don’t believe or even understand your motives.  You must remember, this is your dream. Not theirs. Plus, once you achieve your dream – who will be laughing?

What if I fail? – What if you fly?  Think about it – the fear of failure will weigh down your wings. But failure isn’t a bad thing either.  It is a reminder that you have more avenues to pursue to get it right.  Try again. Find a road that is more suited to you.  Then you will soar!

Remember – you have to take action.  The simple action of starting with step one.  Then you can schedule the other steps on your calendar.  Don’t cheat yourself. Give your dreams sufficient time to plan, develop and succeed. You are worth the effort.