We all need big goals that energise, excite, motivate and move us forward. Whether you want to master a new skill, change careers or start your own business, goals help give you focus and add more meaning to your life. Here are 6 tips to get you taking action on your goals.
- Balance thought and action
Doing is often much easier than thinking about doing.
But some of us are naturally more thinking orientated. And while thinking about and planning your goals are an important first step, just thinking will lead to nothing until the moment you take some action. So, try to balance all the thinking and planning by setting smaller targets that contribute towards your bigger goal. Smaller goals will help you keep the momentum – as long as you acknowledge any little wins along the way.
2. Try to take one action every day
If you have children keeping you busy after work, you may struggle to find time to work on your goals. But just do something that moves you forward: even small actions are significant. The important thing is taking consistent action.
By taking little actions every day, you won’t feel overwhelmed by how much work lies ahead. You are conditioning the mind, gaining momentum and making it easier to succeed.
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
Confucius
3. Stop waiting for the ‘right’ time
The notion of the ‘right’ time is just a fabrication – it doesn’t exist. It’s a good excuse to stop you from acting now. This can quickly lead to procrastination. “I don’t have the time or the money now. I need more experience.”
Constantly thinking like this will leave you in a comfort bubble of inaction.
4. Believe in yourself
Thoughts like “I will fail” are common and point to a lack of self-confidence or a low self-esteem, the biggest obstacle to acting on your goals. Realise that goals should be challenging – but not overly challenging – to help build your confidence and instil a winning mindset.
“A goal should scare you a little and excite you a lot.”
Joe Vitale
What may help is setting SMART (Significant, Meaningful, Action-orientated, Rewarding, Trackable) goals – that are clear and specific. Write them down as this will also increase your chances of success.
And when you do accomplish a goal as a result of your actions, your self-esteem will get a boost and you’ll be happier and more successful in other areas of your life.
5. Forget about what you should have done and focus on now
This may just be another excuse you’ve come up with to justify not taking action now. “I’m too old to start my own business now. I should have used my time better before the kids came along.”
When you were younger, you didn’t have the digital opportunities that exist today. You have everything you need to set and act on your goals now.
6. Start an accountability group
And finally, writing down and sharing your goals with a friend, partner or group, and sending weekly updates help you stay focused, and so increase your success rate.
Feedback also helps you adjust your expectations, if necessary, and creates a sense of acceptance around what is achievable.
Remember, working towards your goals, things you are passionate about, is a journey – enjoy it and celebrate any successes along the way.
There is no time like the present. Jump in.
Read 6 Steps to a Happier You – Part 1 to find out more about focusing on the present.