11 Steps To Achieve Any Goals - The Power of Planning
You want to buy your dream car or house; you want to lose weight; you want that job; you want to travel full time; you want, you want, you want. But how do you get these things? How do you achieve all your goals and create a life you love?
Don't worry; I've got you! I'll teach you how to build routines; one of the best ways to get started is to timebox. Also, check out the best morning routines to start your day on the right note.
I will give you the steps to achieve any goal, and then it's up to you to make it happen.
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What is a goal?
A goal is a dream with a deadline. It's something you want, the desired result you're planning to get.
Why are having goals important?
It gives you a sense of direction.
It helps you to see the bigger picture.
It provides motivation and purpose.
It gives you greater control of your future.
11 Steps To Achieve Any Goals
1. Be Specific
You need to be clear, specific, precise, and detailed about what you want. You need to have a clear vision. Then, you need to think about the details. This is such an important step.
You can say, "I want more money," and then the (universe) gives you $10. You wanted more, so there's more...not the more you had in mind though, but you weren't clear from the get-go.
Sit down and think about the details of your goals.
2. Write Them Down
Write. It. Down.
Do not skip this step.
Don't think you'll remember or get a clear picture by just thinking about your goals. Writing helps you get clarity.
Don't believe me? Start writing anything. Write about your day, your hopes and dreams, your goals...and be amazed at the things you'll manage to untangle by putting pen to paper.
Writing your goals down makes them tangible and real. Put the list somewhere you'll regularly see to be reminded of what you want to achieve.
This is why vision boards are also so powerful. Being faced daily with a visual representation of your goals is highly motivating.
3. Break It Down
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. The same goes for any goal or task - break it down.
Sometimes it helps to write down the end goal and then work backward. Have an end date in mind and break the goal into smaller steps leading up to that date.
Action plans and checklists help you keep on track and give you a nice dopamine hit when you start ticking off completed tasks.
4. Identify Potential Obstacles
Obstacles and challenges are inevitable. However, if you identify the potential obstacles, you've already won half the battle.
This is not the same as having a pessimistic-glass-half-empty mentality. Instead, you're identifying pain points and implementing steps to avoid them altogether or be prepared should they arise.
When you've identified the worst-case scenarios, you'll feel prepared and confident to handle them if they pop up.
5. Visualize the Desired Outcome
Achieving goals starts in your head. So your mindset is one of the most important determining factors in whether you'll reach your goals.
You must think, feel, and behave as if you've already achieved the desired outcome. Easier said than done, I know.
Surround yourself with inspirational people, books, and content on social media. Work on your positive attitude, and practice an encouraging inner monologue at every opportunity.
6. Take Action
You can have the best plan, but it means nothing if you don't take action.
What is the best way to start? Just START.
Say "3, 2, 1," and then you start.
Use schedules, timeboxing, reminders, and alarms to get you going and keep you on track.
Don't wait until everything is perfect. START. Nobody will know how much better it could be. START. You can improve as you go along. START. Make your first step easy, and the next one will come naturally. START.
7. Develop Your Skillset
You'll probably need to learn new things and acquire new skills. That's great! Why not? Find the best way to acquire these new skills and invest in your path to success.
What were you going to do anyway? Watch movies? Drink your evenings away? You might as well use the time to become good at something.
8. Keep Perspective
The best plan is the one you'll stick to. Staying consistent will be very important.
Usually, when starting something new, you put all your effort into it and go all out and become slightly obsessed. Not a bad thing, but this can lead to burnout and even abandonment of your goal.
Lead a balanced life, take care of your health, and be kind and patient with yourself.
9. Reflect and Adjust
Sometimes you fail. And that's okay. What you've learned by failing is how not to do it.
Inspect, reflect, adjust your goals, tweak your plan, and try again.
Don't be scared of failing. It means you're trying and not giving up. Pretty badass if you ask me.
10. Stick With It
Achieving goals is an ongoing activity. So don't just focus on the end goal but LEARN TO ENJOY THE JOURNEY.
Be present while learning new things, be amazed at your accomplishments, and have fun creating your best life. Doing this makes you more likely to stick with it when it gets tough.
Commit to doing one thing daily that'll bring you closer to achieving your goals.
11. Reward Yourself
Your subconscious has much more power over your everyday behavior than you think.
When you accomplish smaller milestones, introducing a reward system for yourself will train your brain to seek that rewarding feeling.
You'll be motivated, disciplined, and inspired to keep going when you give yourself small rewards.
When you set more significant and challenging goals, upgrade your rewards to bigger and better ones.
The Bottom Line
Know your why. Know why you want to achieve this, why you started, and why you want to finish. Keep this in mind at all times, write it down, put it where you'll see it often, and don't stop until you've achieved your end goals. You can achieve anything you put your mind to and create a life you love. Set a small goal, complete it, and then keep doing it. I believe in you!